eight

noun

ˈāt 

1

: a number that is one more than seven see Table of Numbers

2

: the eighth in a set or series

the eight of spades

3

: something having eight units or members: such as

a

: an 8-oared racing boat or its crew

b

: an 8-cylinder engine or automobile

eight adjective

eight pronoun, plural in construction

Examples of eight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After initially dousing the fire between the theater’s fourth and fifth floors, firefighters found additional pockets of flames between the fifth and eights floors, with the fire finally brought fully under control a little after noon, officials said. —Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026

The eight who followed are Jason Robards (1978), Judd Hirsch (1981), Glenn Close (1984), Helen Mirren (1995), Paul Newman (2003), Laura Linney (2004), Alan Alda (2005) and Laurie Metcalf (2018). —Clayton Davis, Variety, 3 May 2026

For example, students must submit seven slices of brisket, with ends attached, that aren’t thicker than three-eights inch and no thinner than one-fourth inch. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026

Struggling himself, Stirtz missed again — his 11th miss in 16 attempts — but Florida sophomore reserve Isaiah Brown was fouled after securing the rebound with eights seconds remaining. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English eighte, from eighte, adjective, from Old English eahta; akin to Old High German ahto eight, Latin octo, Greek oktō

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing eight

• behind the eight ball
• eight ball
• figure eight
• piece of eight
• seventy-eight
• thirty-eight

Rhymes for eight

• ate
• bait
• bate
• cate
• crate
• date
• fait
• fate
• fete
• frate
• freight
• gait

Kids Definition

eight

noun

ˈāt 

1

: a number that is one more than seven see number

2

: the eighth in a set or series

3

: something having eight units or members

eight adjective or pronoun