Word
dozens
US/ˈdəzənz/
UK/dˈʌzənz/
Definitions
01a large number
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun
n. a large but unspecified number of people or things.
n. an indefinite but large quantity; used to emphasize the high volume of something.
“Dozens of people waited in line for the new shop to open.”
“Dozens of protesters gathered outside the embassy, demanding a formal response from the ambassador regarding the recent policy changes.”
Usage
Always followed by 'of' when used as a quantifier before a noun.
Pitfall
There were dozens people at the park.
There were dozens of people at the park.
When using 'dozens' to mean 'many', you must include the word 'of' before the noun.
Synonyms
02multiples of twelve
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun
n. more than one group of twelve items.
n. the plural form of the cardinal number twelve.
“The baker sold dozens of eggs every single morning.”
“The shipment contained several dozens of high-precision components, each individually wrapped to prevent damage during transit.”
03insult game
C2 · Proficiency Plural noun American English · Slang · Informal
n. a game where people trade clever insults to see who is funnier.
n. a ritualised game of verbal sparring, common in some American communities, where participants exchange witty insults.
“The two friends were just playing the dozens and didn't mean any harm.”
“The documentary explores the cultural roots of playing the dozens and its influence on modern improvisational comedy and rap battles.”
Usage
Usually used with the definite article as 'the dozens' and the verb 'play'.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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