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

Adams, who grew up in South Jamaica, Queens, in the nineteen-seventies and eighties, has long aspired to be regarded as a role model for working-class kids from the outer boroughs, particularly for Black youth. —Eric Lach, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025

In the eighties, the number of climbers to complete all of the Colorado 14ers increased to 30-plus a year. —Outside, 25 Sep. 2025

In fact, one in five billionaires is already in their eighties and nineties, according to an analysis by Forbes. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Sep. 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

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