number

/'nʌmbə/
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number

A child writes the number five on a chalkboard.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A mathematical concept representing a quantity or count: A word or symbol (like 1, 2, 3) used to specify how many items are in a set or group.
    • A numeral or identifying sequence: A specific sequence of digits used for identification, such as a telephone number, house number, or serial number.
    • A grammatical category: The distinction in language (like singular, plural) based on whether one or more than one entity is being referred to.
    • A quantity or amount: An indefinite total or aggregate of units or individuals.
    • An item in a series: A single issue or edition of a periodically published work, like a magazine.
    • A distinct performance or routine: A short, self-contained song, dance, or comedy act within a larger show.
    • A group or company of people: A select or specific collection of individuals.
  2. Verb:

    • To count or enumerate: To determine the total quantity of items in a set.
    • To assign a number to: To mark or label something with a sequential or identifying numeral.
    • To include in a group or category: To consider or count someone or something as part of a specific set.
    • To amount to: To have a total that reaches a specific quantity.
    • To limit in quantity: To restrict something to a fixed amount.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:

    • The number seven is considered lucky in many cultures.
    • Please write your phone number on the form.
    • In English, the verb must agree with the subject in number (singular or plural).
    • A large number of people attended the concert.
    • I bought the latest number of my favorite magazine.
    • The band's final number was their biggest hit.
    • She is not one of our number; she works in a different department.
  • Verb:

    • Can you number the pages of this report?
    • The attendees numbered in the hundreds.
    • I number her among my closest friends.
    • The total costs number in the thousands of dollars.
Advanced Usage
  • "A number of": An indefinite but significant quantity of something.
    • A number of students have already completed the assignment.
  • "Any number of": A very large or unlimited quantity; many possibilities.
    • There are any number of reasons why this could have happened.
  • "Without number": Too many to be counted; innumerable.
    • The stars in the sky are without number.
  • "By the numbers": Doing something in a strict, step-by-step, or conventional manner.
    • He performed the safety check by the numbers.
Variants and Related Words
  • Numeral (n): A symbol or word that represents a number (e.g., 5, V, five).
  • Numerous (adj): Consisting of or existing in great numbers; many.
  • Numberless (adj): Too many to count; innumerable.
  • Numbering (n): The action or process of assigning numbers.
Synonyms
  • Noun: Figure, digit, numeral, amount, quantity, total, count.
  • Verb: Count, enumerate, tally, total, include, amount.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Number off: To call out one's number in a sequence, especially in a military or organized line.
    • The sergeant ordered the troops to number off.
  • Number among: To include someone or something in a particular group.
    • She is numbered among the greatest scientists of our time.
Related Idioms
  • "Someone's number is up": Someone is about to die, face punishment, or experience misfortune.
    • When the boss saw the mistake, he knew his number was up.
  • "Do a number on someone/something": To damage, trick, or criticize someone or something severely.
    • The critics really did a number on that new movie.
  • "Have someone's number": To understand someone's true character or motives, often in order to gain an advantage.
    • Don't try to trick her; she has your number.
  • "Safety in numbers": The idea that being in a group makes one safer from attack or criticism.
    • They decided to walk home together, believing in safety in numbers.
number

A child writes the number five on a chalkboard.

Noun
  1. an item of merchandise offered for sale
    • she preferred the black nylon number
    • this sweater is an all-wool number
  2. the grammatical category for the forms of nouns and pronouns and verbs that are used depending on the number of entities involved (singular or dual or plural)
    • in English the subject and the verb must agree in number
  3. a clothing measurement
    • a number 13 shoe
  4. a numeral or string of numerals that is used for identification
    • she refused to give them her Social Security number
  5. a select company of people
    • I hope to become one of their number before I die
  6. one of a series published periodically
    • she found an old issue of the magazine in her dentist's waiting room
  7. a symbol used to represent a number
    • he learned to write the numerals before he went to school
  8. the number is used in calling a particular telephone
    • he has an unlisted number
  9. a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program
    • he did his act three times every evening
    • she had a catchy little routine
    • it was one of the best numbers he ever did
  10. a concept of quantity involving zero and units
    • every number has a unique position in the sequence
  11. the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
    • he had a number of chores to do
    • the number of parameters is small
    • the figure was about a thousand
Verb
  1. place a limit on the number of
  2. determine the number or amount of
    • Can you count the books on your shelf?
    • Count your change
  3. put into a group
    • The academy counts several Nobel Prize winners among its members
  4. enumerate
    • We must number the names of the great mathematicians
  5. give numbers to
    • You should number the pages of the thesis
  6. add up in number or quantity
    • The bills amounted to $2,000
    • The bill came to $2,000