noun
Common
scores
skawz
Scores (noun) means a large but unspecified number of people or things. Example: “Scores of fans lined up outside the stadium overnight.”
noun
1
A large but unspecified number of people or things.
"Scores of fans lined up outside the stadium overnight."
"Scores of birds gathered on the lawn when she scattered the seeds."
"I've heard that story scores of times, and it still makes me laugh."
How to use scores
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed as a quantity word meaning "many, many" — more casual than "dozens" and vaguer than an exact count.
Common pairings
scores of people
scores of times
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_____ of fans lined up outside the stadium overnight.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for scores
See all rhymes for scores →Frequently asked questions
What does “scores” mean?
The word “scores” means a large but unspecified number of people or things. In plain terms, used as a quantity word meaning "many, many" — more casual than "dozens" and vaguer than an exact count.
How do you pronounce “scores”?
“Scores” is pronounced skawz (/skɔɹz/ in IPA).
How do you use “scores” in a sentence?
Here is “scores” used in a sentence: “Scores of fans lined up outside the stadium overnight.”
What part of speech is “scores”?
“Scores” is a noun.
Is “scores” a common word?
“Scores” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many is 'scores of'?
There's no exact figure. A score means twenty, so scores literally implies several twenties — dozens upon dozens. In practice, though, 'scores of' is used loosely to mean a large, impressive but uncounted number, much like saying 'dozens' or 'lots'. The emphasis is on quantity, not precision.
What does 'scores of people' mean?
It means a large, unspecified crowd — many people, more than a handful but not precisely counted. If a report says scores of people attended, expect a sizeable turnout, likely dozens or more. It signals abundance without committing to an exact headcount.
What is the difference between scores and dozens?
Both describe a large but vague number. Strictly, a dozen is twelve and a score is twenty, so scores suggests a somewhat bigger tally than dozens. In everyday speech, however, the two are used almost interchangeably to mean simply 'a lot'.
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