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by the dozen

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by the dozen

in groups of 12. (Compare this with by the dozens.) Eggs are normally sold by the dozen.

See also: dozen

by the dozen

in large numbers He would sit all day in the dark watching videos by the dozen.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of by the dozen (in groups of twelve)

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by the dozen

if something is being produced by the dozen, large numbers of that thing are being produced The government is producing new policies by the dozen.

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by the dozen

Also, by the hundred or thousand . According to a definite quantity, as in She's buying tapes by the dozen. This usage is generally employed for some kind of rate. A 1950 film about efficiency expert Frank Gilbreth and his family was entitled Cheaper by the Dozen. [c. 1300]

See also: dozen