twelve

word

/ˈtwɛɫv/
twelv
/twˈɛlv/
twelv

Definition

The number 12, which comes after eleven and before thirteen. It is used for counting, age, time, dates, and amounts.

Usage & Nuances

Used as a cardinal number. Common patterns include 'twelve years old', 'twelve o’clock', 'the twelve students', and 'a dozen' as a related expression. For time, English often says 'twelve thirty' or 'half past twelve'.

Example Sentences

My sister is twelve years old.

basic

The class starts at twelve.

basic

I have twelve pencils in my bag.

basic

There were twelve people at dinner, so we had to add another table.

natural

She waited for twelve whole minutes and then left.

natural

By twelve thirty, the office was almost empty.

natural