Definition

Noun 1. The first element in a countable series; the first or highest in an ordering or series. - This refers to the position of being first in a sequence, list, or ranking. 2. A reference to yourself; one's own interests or well-being. - This is an informal, often self-centered, way to refer to oneself, emphasizing personal priority.

Usage and Examples

• As the first in a series or ranking:
  • She was number one in her graduating class.
  • This issue is number one on our list of priorities.
• Referring to oneself or one's own interests:
  • You have to look after number one.
  • In business, sometimes it's necessary to think of number one first.

Advanced Usage

• "Take care of number one": An idiom meaning to prioritize one's own needs, interests, or well-being above others.
  • After years of helping everyone else, he decided it was time to take care of number one.

Variants and Related Words

• Numero uno (noun, informal): A direct synonym, often used for emphasis.
  • He's the numero uno expert in this field.
• Top dog (noun, informal): The leader or most important person in a group (similar in meaning to the ranking sense).
  • She's the top dog at that company.

Synonyms

• First: The initial item in a sequence.
• Foremost: Most prominent in rank or importance.
• Oneself: A reflexive pronoun for the speaker.

Related Idioms

• Look out for number one: Similar to "take care of number one," meaning to be primarily concerned with one's own advantage.
  • In this competitive industry, you really have to look out for number one.

Noun

1. the first element in a countable series
   • the first of the month
2. the first or highest in an ordering or series
   • He wanted to be the first
3. a reference to yourself or myself etc.; `take care of number one' means to put your own interests first