# twelve

/ˈtwɛɫv/ (US) · /twˈɛlv/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. the number 12

numeral · CEFR A1

the number that comes after eleven and before thirteen.

For teachers: the cardinal number occurring after eleven and before thirteen, represented by the Arabic numerals 12.

- There are twelve months in a year.
- The clock struck twelve, signaling the end of the shift and the beginning of the holiday weekend.

### 2. a group of twelve

noun · CEFR A2

a set or group containing twelve things.

For teachers: a collection or set consisting of twelve units.

- She bought a pack of twelve eggs from the local market.
- The jury was composed of a twelve who had to decide the fate of the defendant based on the evidence presented.

### 3. the police

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · American English

a slang word for the police, especially officers who look for drugs.

For teachers: a slang term for law enforcement, specifically narcotics officers or the police in general.

- Everyone stopped talking when they saw twelve driving down the street.
- The lookout shouted a warning when he spotted twelve approaching the building from the rear entrance.

Usage: Usually used without an article in African American Vernacular English (AAVE).

### 4. a jury

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

the group of twelve people in a court who decide if someone is guilty.

For teachers: a collective reference to a trial jury, traditionally composed of twelve members.

- He decided to trust his case to the twelve rather than take a deal.
- The defense attorney spent hours selecting the twelve, hoping to find individuals sympathetic to his client's unique circumstances.

## Examples

- There are twelve months in a year.
- The baker packed exactly twelve rolls into the paper bag to complete the order.
- The jury consisted of twelve citizens who were tasked with reviewing the evidence presented during the three-week trial.

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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.