twenty

noun

twen·​ty ˈtwen-tē  ˈtwən- 

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

ˈtwen-tē-əth 

ˈtwən-

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

Quite a legacy for two kids in their late twenties just trying to kickstart their careers, but one that continues to grow. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2024

The dating prospects are often narrower for older adults than singles in their twenties. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024

Australians in their mid-to-late twenties are now the largest demographic of ticket buyers, not younger adolescents. —Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 Sep. 2024

Harriman, too, would require some tender persuasion, and Pamela, now barely in her twenties, was up for the job. —Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024

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

Phrases Containing twenty

• twenty-four hours a day
• twenty-fourmo
• twenty-four seven
• twenty-one
• twenty-twenty
• twenty-twenty hindsight
• twenty-twenty vision
• twenty-two

Kids Definition

twenty

noun

twen·​ty ˈtwent-ē 

plural twenties

: a number equal to two times 10 see number

twenty adjective or pronoun