Definition

1. Noun:
   • The first element in a countable series: The initial item or position in a sequence.
   • The first of the month: A specific date, referring to the first day of a calendar month.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She finished in number 1 position in the race.
  • The invoice is due on number 1, next month. (Meaning: the first day of the month)
  • This song is number 1 on the charts this week.

Advanced Usage

• "To be number one": To be the best or most important in a particular field.
  • Our priority is safety; it's number one.
• "Number one with a bullet": (Informal, from music charts) Something that is rising rapidly and is expected to reach the number one position.
  • That new single is number one with a bullet.

Variants and Related Words

• Numero uno (n., informal): A direct borrowing from Spanish/Italian, meaning "number one" and often used to mean "the best" or "oneself."
  • You have to look out for numero uno. (Meaning: yourself)
• First (adj., n.): The ordinal form; can be used interchangeably in many contexts.
  • He was the first to arrive.

Synonyms

• Top: The highest position.
• Leader: The one in front or in charge.
• Premier: First in importance, order, or position.

Related Phrases

• Public enemy number one: The most wanted or notorious criminal.
  • The fugitive was labeled public enemy number one.
• Going number one: (Childish euphemism) The act of urinating.
  • The toddler said he needed to go number one.

Related Idioms

• Look out for number one: To prioritize one's own interests and well-being above all others.
  • In this competitive industry, you have to look out for number one.

Noun

1. the first element in a countable series
   • the first of the month