sixteen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1 (Extremely High)Neutral to formal; universally understood in all contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sixteen” mean?
The cardinal number equivalent to the sum of ten and six.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The cardinal number equivalent to the sum of ten and six; the number 16.
A specific quantity of items or persons; often used to denote the age of a person or a grouping in sports, music, or other cultural contexts (e.g., a sweet sixteen party).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Minor spelling preferences may appear in compound terms (e.g., 'sixteen-seater' vs. 'sixteen-seater').
Connotations
In both dialects, strongly associated with coming-of-age (legal driving age, consent age in some jurisdictions). In the UK, historically linked to the age of leaving school.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “sixteen” in a Sentence
NUM + N (sixteen people)be + NUM (She is sixteen)at + NUM (at sixteen, he...)NUM + of + N (sixteen of them)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sixteen” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She celebrated her sixteenth birthday with a trip to Brighton.
- He bought a sixteen-inch pizza for the party.
American English
- She celebrated her sixteenth birthday with a trip to Chicago.
- He ordered a sixteen-inch pizza for the game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used in specific business jargon. May appear in reporting (e.g., 'sixteen quarters of growth').
Academic
Used in mathematics, statistics, history (dates, ages), and science (atomic number of sulfur).
Everyday
Extremely common for stating age, quantity, time, and scores.
Technical
Used in computing (hexadecimal '0x10', 16-bit systems), music (16-bar blues, semiquavers), and sports (pool, darts).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sixteen”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sixteen”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sixteen”
- Spelling: 'sixten', 'sixtein'.
- Pronunciation: Emphasizing the first syllable /ˈsɪkstiːn/ instead of the second /sɪksˈtiːn/.
- Using as a verb (e.g., 'I sixteened it').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can function as both a noun ('Sixteen is my lucky number') and a determiner/adjective ('sixteen candles', 'the sixteen-page document').
In many cultures, sixteen marks a significant transition towards adulthood, often associated with legal permissions like driving (in many US states and the UK), consent, and leaving full-time education.
The 'x' is pronounced /ks/. In careful speech, especially in American English, both the /k/ and /s/ sounds are audible: /sɪksˈtiːn/. In fluent, connected speech, it may sound more like /sɪkˈstiːn/.
The correct spelling is always 'sixteen' as one word. 'Six teen' is incorrect in modern English.
The cardinal number equivalent to the sum of ten and six.
Sixteen is usually neutral to formal; universally understood in all contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sweet sixteen”
- “Sixteen tons (ref. to song)”
- “Sixteen going on sixty”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SIX is followed by TEEN. All numbers from 13 to 19 end with '-teen', which is an old word for 'ten more'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A threshold (e.g., 'the door to adulthood opened at sixteen'), a grouping (e.g., 'a sweet sixteen of sonnets'), a measure of completeness (e.g., 'a full sixteen-piece set').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sixteen' LEAST likely to be used idiomatically?