twenty

noun

twen·​ty ˈtwen-tē How to pronounce twenty (audio) ˈtwən- How to pronounce twenty (audio)
plural twenties
1
: a number equal to two times 10 see Table of Numbers
2
twenties plural : the numbers 20 to 29
specifically : the years 20 to 29 in a lifetime or century
3
: a 20-dollar bill
twentieth adjective or noun
twenty adjective
twenty pronoun, plural in construction

Examples of twenty in a Sentence

Tomorrow the temperature will be in the low twenties.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The choir itself was all male, but with a diverse age range: choirboys, men in their late twenties, others well into middle age. Oskar Oprey, Artforum, 28 Jan. 2025 For example, a couple in their early twenties with a combined annual income of $75,000 is unlikely to splurge on a $100,000 engagement ring, making an extravagant mined stone seem improbable. Garth Friesen, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 The amusing post showed an image of her parents, Christine and John McGuckin, getting married at the age of 28, which is a stark contrast to Reid's life in her twenties. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 Shortly after moving to Los Angeles in her early twenties, Lenz met a group of friends at a Bible study session, and quickly became attached to them. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for twenty 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from twenty, adjective, from Old English twēntig, noun, group of 20, from twēn- (akin to Old English twā two) + -tig group of 10; akin to Old English tīen ten — more at two, ten

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of twenty was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near twenty

Cite this Entry

“Twenty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twenty. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

twenty

noun
twen·​ty ˈtwent-ē How to pronounce twenty (audio)
plural twenties
: a number equal to two times 10 see number
twenty adjective or pronoun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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