fifty

noun

fif·​ty ˈfif-tē How to pronounce fifty (audio)
plural fifties
Synonyms of fiftynext
1
: a number equal to five times 10 see Table of Numbers
2
fifties plural : the numbers 50 to 59
specifically : the years 50 to 59 in a lifetime or century
3
: a 50-dollar bill
fiftieth
ˈfif-tē-əth How to pronounce fifty (audio)
adjective or noun
fifty adjective
fifty pronoun, plural in construction
fiftyish
ˈfif-tē-ish How to pronounce fifty (audio)
adjective

Examples of fifty in a Sentence

She is in her fifties. The bill for dinner came to $43, and she gave him a fifty.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
They were laid off in their fifties. — Dwight Earl Williams, Oc Register, 4 June 2026 Only in her mid-fifties, Midge is busy and content in her life. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 May 2026 By now, Robin is in his early fifties and still living in Edinburgh. — Literary Hub, 9 June 2026 Americans log enormous hours with coworkers in their thirties, forties and fifties. — Michael Cannivet, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fifty

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from fifty, adjective, from Old English fīftig, from fīftig, noun, group of 50, from fīf five + -tig group of ten; akin to tīen ten

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fifty was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing fifty

Rhymes for fifty

See All Rhymes for fifty

Browse Nearby Words

fiftieth
fifty
fifty-eight
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fifty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fifty. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fifty

noun
fif·​ty ˈfif-tē How to pronounce fifty (audio)
plural fifties
: a number equal to five times 10 see number
fiftieth
-tē-əth How to pronounce fifty (audio)
adjective or noun
fifty adjective or pronoun

More from Merriam-Webster on fifty

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fifty

Nglish: Translation of fifty for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fifty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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