demi-douzaine

half-dozen

noun duh-mee-doo-ZEN Rare

Usage Note

Demi-douzaine means exactly six, like 'half a dozen' in English. It is frequently used in markets and bakeries: une demi-douzaine d'œufs ('half a dozen eggs'). It is feminine because douzaine is feminine. In casual speech it can also mean 'a handful' or 'about six'.

Examples

"Achetez une demi-douzaine d'œufs au marché."

Natural Translation

Buy half a dozen eggs at the market.

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