# eight

/ˈeɪt/ (US) · /ˈeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eight
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the number 8

numeral · CEFR A1

the number between seven and nine.

For teachers: the cardinal number between seven and nine.

- There are eight chairs around the dining table for our guests.
- The spider is easily distinguished from insects by its eight legs and lack of antennae.

### 2. time or age

noun · CEFR A1

eight o'clock or the age of eight.

For teachers: the eighth hour of the day or the eighth year of a person's life.

- The movie starts at eight, so we should leave now.
- By the time she was eight, she had already developed a keen interest in classical piano.

### 3. rowing boat

noun · CEFR B2

a long, thin boat used in races with eight people rowing.

For teachers: a racing shell propelled by eight rowers, each using a single oar, and steered by a coxswain.

- The university's eight won the race by two lengths.
- The coach watched from the riverbank as the men's eight maintained a perfect rhythm during their final sprint.

Usage: Often used to refer to both the boat and the crew collectively.

### 4. playing cards

noun · CEFR B1

a card in a deck with eight symbols on it.

For teachers: any of the four playing cards in a standard deck with a face value of eight.

- I have two eights in my hand, but I need a king to win.
- He discarded the eight of hearts, hoping to mislead his opponent about the strength of his remaining hand.

## Examples

- There are eight chairs around the table.
- The office opens at eight in the morning every weekday.
- The spider is easily identified by its eight legs and the distinct pattern on its thorax.

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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.