sevens: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1informal (in game contexts), formal/sports (in rugby context)
Quick answer
What does “sevens” mean?
The plural form of the number seven.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of the number seven; specifically referring to groups or sets of seven items.
A card game for two or more players, usually based on playing cards with the value of seven; also refers to the sport of rugby sevens (a variant of rugby union with seven players per side).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'sevens' for the rugby variant is used internationally, but is far more common in British and Commonwealth English. The card game 'sevens' (also known as 'parliament', 'fan-tan', or 'domino') is known in both varieties but may have regional naming differences.
Connotations
In the UK, 'sevens' strongly connotes the sport (rugby sevens), especially during events like the Hong Kong Sevens. In the US, the primary connotation is more likely the number or the card game, unless the speaker is familiar with rugby.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK/Commonwealth English due to the popularity of rugby sevens. Lower frequency in American English, where it is more niche.
Grammar
How to Use “sevens” in a Sentence
play + sevenscompete in + sevensa game of + sevensVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except potentially in sponsorship contexts related to sports ('sevens sponsorship deal').
Academic
Rare, except in mathematical contexts discussing sets or series.
Everyday
Used when discussing the card game or, in relevant communities, the sport.
Technical
Used specifically in sports journalism and commentary for rugby sevens.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sevens”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sevens”
- Using a singular verb with 'sevens' (e.g., 'Sevens is fun' is correct when referring to the sport/game as a singular concept).
- Confusing 'sevens' with '7s' in writing – both are acceptable for the sport.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is also the name of a common card game and is the standard plural of the number seven. However, 'rugby sevens' is its most prominent specific use.
It means in a state of confusion, disarray, or disagreement.
When referring to the sport or game as a single entity (e.g., Rugby sevens), use the singular verb 'is'. When referring to multiple individual sevens, use 'are'.
No, the standard pronunciation /ˈsɛv.ənz/ is essentially the same in both major varieties.
The plural form of the number seven.
Sevens is usually informal (in game contexts), formal/sports (in rugby context) in register.
Sevens: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛv.ənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛv.ənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at sixes and sevens (in a state of confusion or disarray)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a rugby team with SEVEN players on each side, or a dice showing the lucky number SEVEN twice – that's SEVENS.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLETENESS/PERFECTION (from the symbolic meaning of the number seven) and CHAOS/CONFUSION (from the idiom 'at sixes and sevens').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sevens' most likely to refer to a sport?