1920s
|nine/teen/twen/ties|
/ˌnaɪnˈtiːn ˈtwɛntiz/
the decade 1920–1929
Etymology
'1920s' originates from the practice of using Arabic numerals to denote specific years combined with the English plural suffix '-s' to indicate the decade grouping; this numeric-decade notation became common in late 19th and early 20th century English typography and writing.
'1920s' developed alongside earlier written forms such as '1920's' (with an apostrophe) and alongside the spelled-out phrase 'nineteen-twenties'; over time the numeral+s form without an apostrophe became the standard written form.
Initially it was a straightforward numeric label meaning 'the years 1920–1929'; over time it also acquired cultural senses referring to the social, artistic, and economic characteristics of that decade (e.g., the 'Roaring Twenties').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the decade from 1920 through 1929; often used to refer both to the years themselves and to the distinctive social, cultural, and economic characteristics of that period.
The 1920s were a time of major social change and economic growth.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of the 1920s (for example, fashion, music, architecture, or attitudes from that decade).
She loves 1920s fashion, especially flapper dresses and cloche hats.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/23 08:30