seven

noun sev·en \ ˈse-vən , ˈse-bᵊm \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of seven

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

2 : the seventh in a set or series

the seven of clubs

3 : something having seven units or members

—

seven

adjective

—

seven

pronoun, plural in construction

See seven defined for English-language learners

See seven defined for kids

Examples of seven in a Sentence

“What time is it?” “It's seven.”
I leave each day at seven.

Recent Examples of seven from the Web

The Commonwealths will also be significant for Jamaica and Zambia in their rugby development as the two countries are making their debuts in rugby sevens, while in netball Uganda has qualified for the first time.

— CNN, "Commonwealth Games 2018: A guide to the 'Friendly Games'," 3 Apr. 2018
One of the first major developments during her tenure has been pay parity for Australia's male and female sevens players, announced in January 2018.

— CNN, "New Zealand: Women's Rugby World Cup winners awarded pro contracts," 12 Mar. 2018
McGuffie, who has won five World Cup medals as a bobsledder, may take a crack at rugby sevens, which could lead to a berth in the Summer Olympics.

— alexandria alejandro, Houston Chronicle, "Bobsledder Sam McGuffie, of Cypress, celebrates the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics," 9 Feb. 2018
The Gunners looked at sixes and sevens defensively and Leroy Fer almost made them pay the price by driving from his own half into the penalty box but his tame effort was easily collected by Cech.

— SI.com, "Swansea 3-1 Arsenal: Clucas Double & Cech Howler Give Swansea Vital Win as Mkhitaryan Makes Debut," 30 Jan. 2018
The Lions have 11 takeaways in four games, tied for most in the NFL, while the Panthers do a good job rushing the passer and have one of the best front sevens in the game.

— marlowe alter, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions-Carolina Panthers predictions: Which team moves to 4-1?," 7 Oct. 2017
The daughter of former Black Ferns player Cherry Blyde might have developed her quick feet in athletics training but she's found her home in rugby sevens.

— CNN, "New Zealand Sevens celebrate first Cup win since 2016," 11 Dec. 2017
Norton also wears backward sevens with his eye black to signify his No.

— jeff sentell, ajc, "Giant 4-star Tennessee DE Bill Norton has UGA as his leader," 7 Nov. 2017
The Vikings are going to win riding their defense, which boast one of the best front-sevens in the NFL.

— geoffrey c. arnold, OregonLive.com, "Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings: Live updates, score, TV channel, watch live stream online," 15 Oct. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of seven

Middle English, from seven, adjective, from Old English seofon; akin to Old High German sibun seven, Latin septem, Greek hepta

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

SEVEN Defined for English Language Learners

seven

noun

Definition of seven for English Language Learners

: the number 7
: the seventh in a set or series
: seven o'clock

SEVEN Defined for Kids

seven

adjective sev·en \ ˈse-vən \

Definition of seven for Students

: being one more than six

seven

noun

Definition of seven for Students

1 : one more than six : 7

2 : the seventh in a set or series

Learn More about seven

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up seven? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

seven

Definition of seven

seven

seven

Examples of seven in a Sentence

Recent Examples of seven from the Web

Origin and Etymology of seven

Phrases Related to SEVEN

Related Phrases

SEVEN Defined for English Language Learners

seven

Definition of seven for English Language Learners

SEVEN Defined for Kids

seven

Definition of seven for Students

seven

Definition of seven for Students

Learn More about seven

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

The Adverb: A Most Fascinating POS

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes