# six

/ˈsɪks/ (US) · /sˈɪks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/six
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the number 6

numeral · CEFR A1

the number between five and seven.

For teachers: the cardinal number between five and seven.

- There are six eggs left in the carton on the counter.
- The study followed six distinct groups of participants over a period of three years to ensure data diversity.

### 2. six o'clock

noun · CEFR A1

the time of 6:00, either in the morning or the evening.

For teachers: the sixth hour after midnight or noon.

- We agreed to meet for dinner at six outside the restaurant.
- The shift change occurs promptly at six, requiring the outgoing staff to provide a comprehensive briefing to their replacements.

### 3. cricket score

noun · CEFR B2

a hit in cricket where the ball goes over the boundary without touching the ground, scoring six runs.

For teachers: a scoring shot in cricket where the ball crosses the boundary on the full, resulting in six runs.

- The crowd cheered when the batsman hit a massive six into the stands.
- Needing twelve runs from the final two deliveries, the captain struck a magnificent six to keep his team's hopes alive.

### 4. behind you

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

the area directly behind you.

For teachers: the position directly behind a person or vehicle, derived from the twelve-hour clock face.

- Watch your six while we move through this crowded area.
- The pilot alerted his wingman to check his six, fearing an unidentified aircraft was approaching from the rear.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'watch your six' or 'got your six'.

Teaching tip: This sense originated in military aviation and is now common in action movies and tactical contexts.

## Examples

- I have six apples in my bag.
- The office closes at six o'clock every evening so the staff can go home to their families.
- The architect designed the building with a six-sided central atrium to maximize the amount of natural light reaching the interior offices.

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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.