gross
gross Lexical Profile
gross Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Very unpleasant, repulsive, or disgusting (informal).
"The spoiled milk at the back of the refrigerator had a gross smell."
Consisting of an overall total exclusive of deductions; before tax or expenses are subtracted.
"Her gross income exceeded eighty thousand dollars before federal and state taxes were deducted."
Blatant, extreme, and wholly unacceptable (especially of wrongdoing, negligence, or error).
"The board dismissed the director for gross negligence in managing the safety protocols."
General, broad, or visible without the aid of a microscope (as in anatomy or motor skills).
"Playing outdoors helps young children develop their gross motor skills such as running and jumping."
Coarse, vulgar, or unrefined in manners, morals, or physical appearance.
"His gross remarks at the dinner table offended several of the guests."
• interjection
Used to express strong disgust, revulsion, or distaste (informal).
"Gross! Someone left half-eaten food in the sink."
• verb
To produce or earn an overall total amount of money before deductions or expenses.
"The concert tour grossed over fifty million dollars across thirty cities."
To disgust, offend, or repel someone (usually followed by 'out', informal).
"The graphic medical footage grossed out several students in the lecture hall."
• noun
An overall total of income, revenue, or receipts before any deductions or expenses are subtracted.
"The film's box-office gross surpassed two hundred million dollars worldwide."
A unit of quantity equal to twelve dozen, or 144 items.
"The school ordered five gross of pencils for the upcoming academic year."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as a noun meaning twelve dozen (144), the plural form remains 'gross' (e.g., 'two gross of pencils'), whereas in financial contexts referring to total revenues, the regular plural 'grosses' is used.
• Rhymes for gross
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'gros' (big, thick, coarse), from Late Latin 'grossus' (thick, coarse).