thirteen
pronunciation
How to pronounce thirteen in British English:
UK [ˌθɜːˈtiːn]
How to pronounce thirteen in American English:
US [ˌθɜːrˈtiːn]
-
- Noun:
- the cardinal number that is the sum of twelve and one
-
- Adjective:
- being one more than twelve
Word Origin
- thirteen (adj.)
- late 145c., metathesis of Middle English thrittene, from Old English þreotene (Mercian), þreotiene (West Saxon), from þreo "three" (see three) + -tene (see -teen). Similar formation in Old Saxon thriutein, Old Frisian thretten, Dutch dertien, German dreizehn, Old Norse threttan, Swedish tretton. As a noun from late Old English. Not an unlucky number in medieval England, but associated rather with the customary "extra item" (as in baker's dozen). Superstitions began with association with the Last Supper, and the unluckiness of 13 sitting down together to dine (attested from 1690s). Most of the modern superstitions (buildings with floor "12-A," etc.) have developed since 1890.
Example
- 1. Thirteen of mr netanyahu 's likud lawmakers are now ministers .
- 2. Thirteen of them are nominated as special areas of conservation ( sacs ) for their important habitats , namely coral reefs , sandbanks and sea caves .
- 3. Thirteen plus eight equals twenty-one .
- 4. Get it for you for a thirteen yuan service fee .
- 5. Thirteen years later , nothing has changed .