baker's dozen - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

baker's dozen

a group consisting of thirteen things or peoplea group consisting of thirteen things or people

The idiom "baker's dozen" has its origins in medieval England when there were strict laws governing the weight and pricing of bread. To avoid the risk of underweight loaves and potential penalties, bakers would often add an extra loaf to a dozen (which originally meant 12) to ensure they met the required weight. This practice became customary, and "baker's dozen" came to mean 13 rather than 12. This expression is used to describe a group of 13 items or things. It is often used when someone wants to emphasize that they are providing a little extra or going beyond the expected quantity, similar to the original practice of bakers adding an extra loaf to a dozen.The idiom "baker's dozen" has its origins in medieval England when there were strict laws governing the weight and pricing of bread. To avoid the risk of underweight loaves and potential penalties, bakers would often add an extra loaf to a dozen (which originally meant 12) to ensure they met the required weight. This practice became customary, and "baker's dozen" came to mean 13 rather than 12. This expression is used to describe a group of 13 items or things. It is often used when someone wants to emphasize that they are providing a little extra or going beyond the expected quantity, similar to the original practice of bakers adding an extra loaf to a dozen.

Examples

The bakery sells bagels by the baker's dozen, so you get 13 instead of 12.
He ordered a baker's dozen of roses for their anniversary to make it extra special.
The store offered a baker's dozen of doughnuts for the price of 12 as a promotion.

Synonyms

XIII thirteen long dozen

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baker's dozen

Plural

baker's dozens

1

a group consisting of thirteen things or people

The idiom "baker's dozen" has its origins in medieval England when there were strict laws governing the weight and pricing of bread. To avoid the risk of underweight loaves and potential penalties, bakers would often add an extra loaf to a dozen (which originally meant 12) to ensure they met the required weight. This practice became customary, and "baker's dozen" came to mean 13 rather than 12. This expression is used to describe a group of 13 items or things. It is often used when someone wants to emphasize that they are providing a little extra or going beyond the expected quantity, similar to the original practice of bakers adding an extra loaf to a dozen.

The bakery sells bagels by the baker's dozen, so you get 13 instead of 12.
He ordered a baker's dozen of roses for their anniversary to make it extra special.
The store offered a baker's dozen of doughnuts for the price of 12 as a promotion.
The chef prepared a baker's dozen of cupcakes for the party to ensure there were enough for everyone.
She received a baker's dozen of birthday cards, showing how much her friends cared.

Synonyms:

XIII thirteen long dozen