five

noun \ ˈfīv \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of five

1 : a number that is one more than four — see Table of Numbers

2 fives plural : a British handball game

3 : the fifth in a set or series

the five of clubs

4 : something having five units or members; especially : a basketball team

5 : a 5-dollar bill

6 : fifteen 2

7 : a gesture in which two people slap each other's extended hands (as in greeting or celebration) —usually used in phrases with give or slap

So I slapped him five and hugged him.
—J. R. Burke

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five

adjective

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five

pronoun, plural in construction

See five defined for English-language learners

See five defined for kids

Examples of five in a Sentence

I get off work at five.
The store is open until five.

Recent Examples of five from the Web

Some high-fives and a slow jog sufficed for Hoffman, who shot 67 and tied for 12th at 6-under 282.

— jesse smithey, Detroit Free Press, "Rough Masters finish has Rory McIlroy still chasing career Grand Slam," 8 Apr. 2018
Brad Stevens has kept the team competitive regardless of the rotating starting fives, keeping the team within striking distance of the No. 1 seed in the East.

— rohan nadkarni, SI.com, "Kyrie Irving’s Knee Surgery Closes Book on Once Promising Season," 5 Apr. 2018
No high-fives for the waiting fans along the court.

— jeff duncan, NOLA.com, "Pelicans picked bad time to lay an egg with five games remaining," 2 Apr. 2018
Amid hugs, high-fives and at least one near-escape of a baby — Democratic Del.

— Washington Post, "Virginia legislature shuns drama, gets underway with Republican leadership," 6 Mar. 2018
So now Hayes is opting for eager to please, with arm sways and shimmies, loads of high-fives for fans up front and direct eye contact with folks in the balcony.

— piet levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Kelsea Ballerini celebrates 4th No. 1 single, and getting over the flu, at Milwaukee show," 23 Feb. 2018
After Familia induced a lineout from Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong to end the game, the Mets converged on the infield grass to share high-fives.

— james wagner, New York Times, "Mets Start a New Era With a Win, and Some Hope," 29 Mar. 2018
As if on cue, a man waves at David — one of a string of starstruck adults who approach the teens every few minutes to give high-fives, thank them and wish them luck.

— jenny jarvie, latimes.com, "Sensing their moment, Florida students balance school and activism planning the March for Our Lives," 22 Mar. 2018
After jumping around on the court and hugging, the jubilant Seminoles ran over to their fans in the stands and slapped high-fives.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Nevada rallies to beat Cincinnati," 19 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'five.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of five

Middle English, from five, adjective, from Old English fīf; akin to Old High German finf five, Latin quinque, Greek pente

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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FIVE Defined for English Language Learners

five

noun

Definition of five for English Language Learners

: the number 5
: the fifth in a set or series
: five o'clock

FIVE Defined for Kids

five

adjective \ ˈfīv \

Definition of five for Students

: being one more than four

five

noun

Definition of five for Students

1 : one more than four : 5

2 : the fifth in a set or series

Learn More about five

See words that rhyme with five Spanish Central: Translation of five Nglish: Translation of five for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of five for Arabic speakers

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