eighteen
eighteen
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "eighteen" is /ˌeɪtˈtiːn/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
First Syllable (/eɪt/):
/eɪ/ - as in "day"
/t/ - as in "top"
Second Syllable (/tiːn/):
/t/ - as in "top"
/iː/ - as in "fleece"
/n/ - as in "nap"
Word Form Variations
The word "eighteen" is a cardinal number and an adjective. It generally does not have singular, plural, or other typical word form variations in the same way nouns or verbs do. It represents a specific quantity.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Constituting the number equivalent to the sum of ten and eight; one more than seventeen.
Synonyms: n/a (as it's a specific number)
Antonyms: n/a (as it's a specific number)
Noun
Definition 1: The cardinal number written as 18.
Synonyms: n/a (as it's a specific number)
Antonyms: n/a (as it's a specific number)
Definition 2: A group or set consisting of eighteen units or individuals.
Synonyms: eighteen-some, group of eighteen
Antonyms: n/a
Examples of Use
Books:
"He spent eighteen months traveling through Southeast Asia, documenting local customs and traditions." (From a fictional travelogue)
"The classic novel details the coming-of-age story of a young woman who turns eighteen during a tumultuous period of history." (Literary analysis of Little Women)
Newspapers:
"The local council approved a budget increase of eighteen percent to fund new community initiatives." (The Daily Herald, June 20, 2024)
"Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of eighteen years for the suspect involved in the high-profile fraud case." (The Guardian, July 1, 2025)
Online Publications:
"Discover the eighteen best budget travel destinations for 2025, from bustling cities to serene beaches." (Travel blog, "Wanderlust Weekly," May 15, 2025)
"A recent study found that eighteen percent of consumers prefer online shopping for groceries." (E-commerce news site, "Retail Insights," June 28, 2025)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "The film '18 Candles' (a fictional title, but common for age-related movies) depicts the chaotic but heartwarming celebration of a teenager's eighteenth birthday."
Music: "The song 'Eighteen' by Alice Cooper (actual song) became an anthem for rebellious youth."
Television: "In the latest episode, the detective uncovered eighteen separate pieces of evidence linking the suspect to the crime." (From a fictional crime drama series)
Video Games: "Players must collect eighteen hidden artifacts to unlock the secret level." (From a fictional adventure video game)
General Public Discourse:
"My daughter just turned eighteen, so she's officially an adult now and can vote." (Parent discussing their child's age)
"I've been working at this company for eighteen years; it's seen a lot of changes." (Employee discussing their tenure)
"The legal drinking age in many countries is eighteen." (General knowledge discussion)
"We need at least eighteen volunteers for the charity event to run smoothly." (Organizer discussing resource needs)
10 Famous Quotes Using Eighteen
"At eighteen, you're old enough to vote, but not old enough to know what you're voting for." (Unknown, a common humorous saying)
"I was eighteen when I wrote my first song." (Taylor Swift)
"Life's a game, and it's eighteen holes. And I've got a lot of them to play." (Jack Nicklaus)
"Turning eighteen is a milestone, a bridge from childhood to the responsibilities of adulthood." (Unknown, common sentiment)
"A man who is eighteen is not a boy; he is a man. And if he is a man, he should be treated like a man." (Lyndon B. Johnson)
"He was only eighteen, but he had the wisdom of an old man." (From the song "Eighteen" by Alice Cooper)
"You are only eighteen once in your life. Never forget that." (Unknown, often used in advice to young people)
"My ideal woman? She's eighteen to eighty, as long as she's beautiful." (George Burns)
"The first eighteen years of your life are a dress rehearsal for the rest of it." (Unknown)
"She looks like she's eighteen and she feels like she's fifty-three." (From the film Annie Hall)
Etymology
The word "eighteen" has a straightforward origin, essentially meaning "eight and ten."
It comes from the Old English word "eahtatiene" or "eahtatyne." You can see the two parts clearly:
"eahta" was the Old English word for "eight."
"tiene" or "tyne" was the Old English word for "ten."
So, when you put them together, "eahtatiene" literally meant "eight-ten."
The first known use of "eighteen" in this form can be traced back to before the 12th century (so, prior to the year 1100). Its meaning has remained consistent throughout history: it has always referred to the cardinal number that comes after seventeen and before nineteen.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Eighteen
Eighteen wheels: Refers to a large tractor-trailer truck.
The Big Eighteen: Can sometimes refer to a specific group of eighteen entities, like a set of influential universities or a political bloc. (Lesser-known, context-dependent)
Sweet Eighteen: A common celebratory phrase for someone turning 18, particularly in the context of birthdays and coming of age.
On the eighteen-hole course: Refers to playing a full round of golf.
An eighteen-month wait: A specific duration of time often used to denote a lengthy period.
Eighteen hundred hours: Military time for 6:00 PM. (Specific usage)
The legal eighteen: Referring to the age of legal majority (often 18) in many jurisdictions, for things like voting, signing contracts, etc.
Driving a big rig (synonymous effect): Implies operating an eighteen-wheeler.
Reaching the age of majority (synonymous effect): Signifies turning 18 (or the specific age where adult rights are granted).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of eighteen from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
