forty-eight

1 of 3

adjective

: being one more than 47 in number

forty-eight years

see Table of Numbers

forty-eight

2 of 3

pronoun, plural in construction

"

: 48 countable persons or things not specified but under consideration and being enumerated

forty-eight are here

forty-eight were found

forty-eight

3 of 3

noun

"

1

: eight and 40 : three times 16 : four times 12 : six times eight : four dozen

2

a

: 48 units or objects

a total of forty-eight

b

: a group or set of 48

3

: the numerable quantity symbolized by the arabic numerals 48

4

: the 48th in a set or series

especially : an article of clothing of the 48th size

wears a forty-eight

5

: forty-eightmo

6

: a 48-hour leave (as from military duties)

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now