By the dozen Meaning in English
expression
ˈbaɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdəzən
BY thuh DUZ-uhn
bˈaɪ/ /ðə, ði/ /dˈʌzən
BY thuh DUZ-uhn
Definition
To sell, buy, or count things in groups of twelve at a time; often used to mean in large quantities.
Usage & Nuances
Often related to items typically sold this way (eggs, donuts), but also means 'in large numbers' informally. Used in both commercial and informal contexts. Not for exact scientific contexts.
Spanish: por docena - en docenasPortuguese (BR): por dúzia - às dúziasPortuguese (PT): à dúzia - às dúziasChinese (Simplified): 按打 - 成打地Chinese (Traditional): 一打一打地 - 按打Hindi: दर्जन के हिसाब सेArabic: بالعشرات (حسب الدزينة)Bengali: ডজন হিসেবে - ডজন ডজন করেRussian: по дюжине - дюжинамиJapanese: ダースで - 12個単位でVietnamese: theo tá - từng tá mộtKorean: 다스 단위로 - 12개씩Turkish: düzinelerle - düzineyleUrdu: درجن کے حساب سے - درجنوں میںIndonesian: per lusin - lusinan
Example Sentences
Eggs are often sold by the dozen.
basic
We bought cookies by the dozen for the party.
basic
Flowers are sold by the dozen at the market.
basic
Donut shops sell favorites by the dozen because people love to share.
natural
Mistakes happen by the dozen when you rush your work.
natural
He's got excuses by the dozen for being late.
natural