seven

play

noun sev·en \ ˈse-vən , ˈse-bᵊm \

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

Thomas snagged a touchdown pass in seven-on-sevens and made a tough catch on a crossing route (both from Brees).

— NOLA.com, "5-plus observations from Friday's Saints-Chargers joint practice," 18 Aug. 2017
Richard would be tagged for a season-high seven runs over 4 1/3 innings.

— dennis lin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Benches clear after altercation between Dodgers' Dave Roberts and Padres' Andy Green," 30 June 2017
What’s really profound is that four of these sevens guys — Garcia.

— kirk kenney, sandiegouniontribune.com, "MLB Draft impacts SDSU and USD, but no more than expected," 14 June 2017
The opposition Labour Party too is at sixes and sevens on its Brexit policy, with senior leaders contradicting each other on critical aspects.

— peter ford, The Christian Science Monitor, "In Britain's post-election disarray, can a Brexit consensus be found?," 13 June 2017
The party atmosphere of the sevens has had its drawbacks.

— george ramsay, CNN, "Rugby Sevens: The best day out in sport?," 2 June 2017
The fan experience has been as lively and colorful as ever, with attendance levels peaking at several venues as sevens continues to stretch to all corners of the globe.

— george ramsay, CNN, "Rugby Sevens: The best day out in sport?," 2 June 2017
Ginn later hauled in a deep out route from Brees and added a nice reception from Chase Daniel in seven-on-sevens on a dig route across the middle.

— NOLA.com, "Terron Armstead participates in team drills, more Saints OTA offensive takeaways," 1 June 2017
The seventh World Cup for sevens was supposed to have preliminary games at Avaya, an 18,000-seat stadium with a standard-sized rugby field.

— elliott almond, The Mercury News, "San Jose knocked out of hosting Rugby World Cup Sevens," 7 Apr. 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

play

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

play

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

Explore Merriam-Webster

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

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066