Definition

1. Noun:

   • The cardinal number equal to 7 + 1: The natural number following seven and preceding nine.
   • A symbol representing this number: The numeral "8".
   • A set or group with eight members: For example, a team of eight rowers.
   • A playing card with eight pips: One of the four cards in a deck bearing eight symbols (hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades).

2. Adjective:

   • Amounting to eight in number: Being one more than seven.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The number after seven is eight.
  • She drew an eight of hearts from the deck.
  • The rowing team consists of an eight.
• Adjective:
  • There are eight planets in our solar system.
  • He will be eight years old tomorrow.

Advanced Usage

• "The Eight": A specific historical reference to a group of eight American realist painters (Robert Henri and others) who exhibited together in 1908.
  • The Ashcan School is associated with the artistic rebellion of The Eight.
• "Figure of eight": A pattern, shape, or movement resembling the numeral 8.
  • The ice skater traced a perfect figure of eight on the rink.

Variants and Related Words

• Eighth (adj., n.): Constituting number eight in a sequence; one of eight equal parts.
  • He finished in eighth place.
  • An eighth of the pie is left.
• Eighteen (n., adj.): The number 18 (10 + 8).
• Eighty (n., adj.): The number 80 (8 x 10).

Synonyms

• Octet: A group of eight people or things, especially musicians.
• Ogdoad: (Formal) A group or set of eight.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To have one over the eight: (Idiom, chiefly British, informal) To be slightly drunk.
  • After three pints, he'd definitely had one over the eight.
• Behind the eight ball: (Idiom) In a difficult or disadvantageous position.
  • Missing the deadline put the entire project behind the eight ball.
• Eight days a week: (Idiom) Very frequently or constantly.
  • She works hard, almost eight days a week.

Adjective

1. being one more than seven

Noun

1. one of four playing cards in a deck with eight pips on the face
2. a group of United States painters founded in 1907 and noted for their realistic depictions of sordid aspects of city life
3. the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one