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.

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