eighty

noun

ˈā-tē 

plural eighties

1

: a number that is equal to eight times 10 see Table of Numbers

2

eighties plural : the numbers 80 to 89

specifically : the years 80 to 89 in a lifetime or century

eightieth

ˈā-tē-əth 

adjective or noun

eighty adjective

eighty pronoun, plural in construction

Examples of eighty in a Sentence

The temperature rose to the high eighties.

She is in her mid-eighties.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the seventies and eighties, there was ample work for studio musicians. —Chris Almeida, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2025

The new couple talk about starting a relationship in their eighties The pair speaks with PEOPLE about navigating long-distance dating The Blade Runner actress, 80, and former television host, 89, recently caught up with PEOPLE, sharing some details about their new romance. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Beyond its other notable achievements, Do the Right Thing is a triumph of craftsmanship and vision, with both Lee and cinematographer Ernest Dickerson delivering a powerfully atmospheric snapshot of life in late-eighties Bed-Stuy at a time of escalating racial tension in the city. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025

Jim and Stephen in the eighties did not quite take this sort-of observer’s viewpoint from within. —Quanta Magazine, 24 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English eighty, adjective, from Old English eahtatig, short for hundeahtatig, noun, group of eighty, from hund-, literally, hundred + eahta eight + -tig group of ten; akin to Old English tīen ten

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing eighty

• eighty-six
• ten-eighty

Rhymes for eighty

• kati
• katy
• platy
• slaty
• weighty

Kids Definition

eighty

noun

ˈāt-ē 

plural eighties

: a number that is equal to eight times 10 see number

eightieth

-ē-əth 

adjective or noun

eighty adjective or pronoun