eleven

UK: ɪˈlɛv(ə)n | US: ɪˈlɛvən

Definition

  1. n. the cardinal number equivalent to the sum of ten and one; 11

  2. adj. amounting to eleven in number

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "eleven" originates from Old English endleofan, meaning "one left (after ten)." It combines ainaz (one) and lif- (left over), reflecting a counting system where numbers beyond ten were conceptualized as "ten plus one left." This structure is shared across Germanic languages (e.g., German elf, Dutch elf). The modern spelling stabilized in Middle English.

Examples

  1. She turned eleven last week.

  2. There are eleven players on a soccer team.

  3. The clock struck eleven as we finished dinner.

  4. Chapter eleven covers advanced topics.

  5. He scored eleven points in the game.