First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
forty
noun for·ty \ˈfȯr-tē\
: the number 40
forties : the numbers ranging from 40 to 49
: a set of years ending in digits ranging from 40 to 49
plural forties
Full Definition of FORTY
1
— see number table
2
plural : the numbers 40 to 49; specifically : the years 40 to 49 in a lifetime or century
3
: the third point scored by a side in a game of tennis
— for·ti·eth \ˈfȯr-tē-əth\ adjective or noun
— forty adjective
— forty pronoun, plural in construction
— for·ty·ish \-tē-ish\ adjective
See forty defined for English-language learners
See forty defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FORTY
Middle English fourty, adjective, from Old English fēowertig, from fēowertig group of 40, from fēower four + -tig group of 10; akin to Old English tīen ten
Other Number-Related Terms
FORTY Defined for Kids
1forty
adjective for·ty \ˈfȯr-tē\
Definition of FORTY for Kids
: being four times ten
2forty
noun
Definition of FORTY for Kids
: four times ten : 40
Learn More About FORTY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: forty–eight (adjective)Previous Word in the Dictionary: fortune–tellerAll Words Near: forty
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up forty? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).