twenty

noun

twen·​ty ˈtwen-tē How to pronounce twenty (audio) ˈtwən- How to pronounce twenty (audio)
plural twenties
1
: a number equal to two times 10 see Table of Numbers
2
twenties plural : the numbers 20 to 29
specifically : the years 20 to 29 in a lifetime or century
3
: a 20-dollar bill
twentieth adjective or noun
twenty adjective
twenty pronoun, plural in construction

Examples of twenty in a Sentence

Tomorrow the temperature will be in the low twenties.
Recent Examples on the Web Quite a legacy for two kids in their late twenties just trying to kickstart their careers, but one that continues to grow. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2024 The dating prospects are often narrower for older adults than singles in their twenties. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024 Australians in their mid-to-late twenties are now the largest demographic of ticket buyers, not younger adolescents. Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 Sep. 2024 Harriman, too, would require some tender persuasion, and Pamela, now barely in her twenties, was up for the job. Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for twenty 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'twenty.' 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 twenty, adjective, from Old English twēntig, noun, group of 20, from twēn- (akin to Old English twā two) + -tig group of 10; akin to Old English tīen ten — more at two, ten

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of twenty was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near twenty

Cite this Entry

“Twenty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twenty. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

twenty

noun
twen·​ty ˈtwent-ē How to pronounce twenty (audio)
plural twenties
: a number equal to two times 10 see number
twenty adjective or pronoun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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