# baker's half dozen

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bakers-half-dozen
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Seven, a group of seven.

## Examples

- I need a baker's half dozen eggs for this recipe.
- The baker sold me a baker's half dozen rolls for the price of six.
- After counting the items in the basket, she realized she had collected a baker's half dozen, which was exactly enough for the guests.

## Origin

Derived by analogy from baker's dozen, the term provides a count of seven by adding a single unit to the standard half dozen. It follows the logic of the earlier thirteen, functioning as the smaller sibling of the thirteen-item set.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.