fifty

noun

fif·​ty ˈfif-tē How to pronounce fifty (audio)
plural fifties
1
: a number equal to five times 10 see Table of Numbers
2
fifties plural : the numbers 50 to 59
specifically : the years 50 to 59 in a lifetime or century
3
: a 50-dollar bill
fiftieth adjective or noun
fifty adjective
fifty pronoun, plural in construction
fiftyish adjective

Examples of fifty in a Sentence

She is in her fifties. The bill for dinner came to $43, and she gave him a fifty.
Recent Examples on the Web Hubert [de Givenchy] created this bubble hem in the fifties, which is exactly what this doll was inspired by during that period. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 In their fifties, many Americans attain the mythical status of millionaire, their household assets worth at least $1 million more than their liabilities. USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2024 But Milan Fashion Week attendees are getting a bit of an early taste, with temperatures hovering in the fifties. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2024 Prior to the prison stint, Miller, a cheerful guy in his early fifties, had run a construction company and a serious marijuana operation, simultaneously. Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 The body Like anyone else who remains so lean, lithe and toned in their fifties, Aniston works hard to achieve that body. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2024 The couple’s activism goes back to the fifties and sixties, during the Civil Rights Movement. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 8 Feb. 2024 Castro was a fit man, slim, with good muscle tone, in his late fifties. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 5 Feb. 2024 The upcoming feature follows a seasoned showgirl in her fifties whose show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fifty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from fifty, adjective, from Old English fīftig, from fīftig, noun, group of 50, from fīf five + -tig group of ten; akin to tīen ten

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fifty was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near fifty

Cite this Entry

“Fifty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fifty. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fifty

noun
fif·​ty ˈfif-tē How to pronounce fifty (audio)
plural fifties
: a number equal to five times 10 see number
fiftieth adjective or noun
fifty adjective or pronoun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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