dozen

(dʌzən )
Word forms: plural dozens language note:   The plural form is dozen after a number, or after a word or expression referring to a number, such as 'several' or 'a few'.
1. number
If you have a dozen things, you have twelve of them.
...a dozen eggs.
You will be able to take ten dozen bottles free of duty through customs.
He ordered a dozen of their best red roses.
His chicken eggs sell for $22 a dozen.

2. number
You can refer to a group of approximately twelve things or people as a dozen. You can refer to a group of approximately six things or people as half a dozen.
I was sitting only a dozen feet away.
In half a dozen words, he had explained the bond that linked them.
The riot left four people dead and several dozen injured.

3. quantifier
If you refer to dozens of things or people, you are emphasizing that there are very many of them.
[emphasis]
...a storm which destroyed dozens of homes and buildings. [+ of]
You can also use dozens as a pronoun.
Just as revealing are Mr Johnson's portraits, of which there are dozens.

dozen
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.
There used to be dozens of them.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Up to two dozen more are understood to support their position.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
He has had at least half a dozen.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There are still half a dozen to write home about.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Dozens of people are feared to have been killed and many more injured.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Police confirmed that nine people were dead with more than two dozen missing.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
AT least 39 people have been killed and dozens injured in a train crash.
The Sun (2017)
That can't be said of perhaps as many as dozens of former executives, employees and agents of the company who face criminal investigation.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The attack killed five and injured dozens of people.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The equipment has been used to capture dozens of attacks by settlers.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)