ten

"Ten" is a straightforward word with a small number of uses. At its core, it is simply the number after nine — but it also works as a noun and, in informal speech, as a way to describe something perfect. Here are its most common senses.

1determinerthe number 10

This is the basic meaning — ten is the number that comes after nine and before eleven. You use it to count or describe a quantity of things.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She has ten fingers and ten toes.

The store closes in ten minutes.

There were ten students in the classroom.

2nounthe digit or symbol 10

When you talk about the number itself as a thing — like a written symbol, a score, or a playing card — 'ten' becomes a noun. Think of it as the number having its own identity.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

He rolled a ten on the dice.

She pulled a ten of hearts from the deck.

The judge held up a ten, giving her a perfect score.

3nounfigurativea perfect score or rating

In informal speech, people say something or someone is 'a ten' to mean they are absolutely perfect — as good as it gets. This comes from rating scales that go from one to ten, where ten is the highest.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

That meal was a ten — I have never tasted anything better.

Everyone agreed the performance was a solid ten.

She walked in and my friend whispered, 'She's a ten!'