Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

twelve

noun
\ ˈtwelv How to pronounce twelve (audio) \

Definition of twelve

1 : a number equal to one more than 11 — see Table of Numbers

2 capitalized

a : the twelve original disciples of Jesus
b : the books of the Minor Prophets in the Jewish Scriptures
3 : the 12th in a set or series
4 : something having 12 units or members
5 twelves plural : twelvemo
Other Words from twelve Example Sentences Learn More about twelve

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from twelve

twelfth \ ˈtwelf(t)th How to pronounce twelfth (audio) \ adjective or noun
twelve adjective
twelve pronoun, plural in construction

Examples of twelve in a Sentence

“What time is it?” “It's twelve.” I have lunch at twelve.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Menswear's most aggressively suited-and-booted tradeshow is here once again, and with it, the dressed-to-the-twelves peacocks that make the biannual pilgrimage to Florence. — Dan Roberts, GQ, "The Best Street Style from Pitti Uomo," 14 June 2018

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

First Known Use of twelve

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

History and Etymology for twelve

Middle English, from Old English twelf; akin to Old High German zwelif twelve, Old English twā two, -leofan (as in endleofan eleven) — more at two, eleven

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about twelve

Statistics for twelve

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for twelve

The first known use of twelve was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for twelve

twelve

noun
How to pronounce twelve (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of twelve

: the number 12
: the 12th in a set or series
: twelve o'clock

See the full definition for twelve in the English Language Learners Dictionary

twelve

adjective
\ ˈtwelv How to pronounce twelve (audio) \

Kids Definition of twelve

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: being one more than eleven

twelve

noun

Kids Definition of twelve (Entry 2 of 2)

: one more than eleven : three times four : 12

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on twelve

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with twelve

Spanish Central: Translation of twelve

Nglish: Translation of twelve for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of twelve for Arabic Speakers

Comments on twelve

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

decoct

Listen to the pronounciation of decoct

to boil down or concentrate

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Original Meanings Quiz

  • rembrandt-painting-a-young-scholar-and-his-tutor
  • Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

TRENDING NOW

  1. exonerate Barr summarizes Mueller report

  2. catamount Vermont enters the Round of 64

  3. mendacious, mendacity George Conway calls Trump a liar

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games