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noun

forties

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Forties (noun) means the years of a decade numbered in the 40s, such as the 1940s. Example: “Fashion in the forties was shaped by wartime rationing.”

noun
1
The years of a decade numbered in the 40s, such as the 1940s.
"Fashion in the forties was shaped by wartime rationing."
2
The period of a person's life between ages 40 and 49.
"She started her own business in her forties."

How to use forties

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe decade of a century, or of a person's life, spanning the numbers 40 to 49.

Common pairings
in her forties the swinging forties
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Fashion in the _____ was shaped by wartime rationing.

Etymology

It comes from forties, named after the depth of the area.

Rhymes for forties

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Frequently asked questions

What does “forties” mean?
The word “forties” means the years of a decade numbered in the 40s, such as the 1940s. In plain terms, the decade of a century, or of a person's life, spanning the numbers 40 to 49.
How do you use “forties” in a sentence?
Here is “forties” used in a sentence: “Fashion in the forties was shaped by wartime rationing.”
What part of speech is “forties”?
“Forties” is a noun.
How many meanings does “forties” have?
“Forties” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the years of a decade numbered in the 40s, such as the 1940s.