number - Definition & Meaning

num

ber

Plural

numbers

a word, sign, or symbol that represents a specific quantity or amount

Can you provide your contact number for the registration form?
The serial number on the product helps track its manufacturing details.
In mathematics, understanding how to manipulate numbers is crucial for solving problems.
Please enter the PIN number to access your account securely.
The street address and house number are essential for accurate mail delivery.

Synonyms:

figure

the quantity of things or people

The number of attendees at the event far exceeded our expectations.
Can you please double-check the number of chairs we have in the conference room?
The number of accidents on this road has increased significantly over the past year.
We need to reduce the number of errors in our reports to improve efficiency.
The number of books in the library's collection continues to grow each year.

Synonyms:

amount quantity

a specific series of digits used to call a particular telephone or contact a particular service

Please dial my number when you get a chance.
She gave him her office number for future contact.
The number for the customer service hotline is listed on the website.
He couldn't remember the number of the restaurant, so he looked it up online.
I accidentally misdialed your number earlier.

Synonyms:

phone number telephone number

a specific act or performance, often part of a larger show or entertainment sequence

The circus featured a thrilling trapeze number.
The comedian's opening number set the tone for the night.
The band rehearsed their new number for the concert.
Each number in the revue was met with applause.
Her dramatic solo number captivated the audience.

Synonyms:

act bit turn routine

an installment or issue within a periodical or serialized publication

I bought the latest number of the magazine.
The journal's May number features a special article.
Subscribers receive each number automatically.
That number of the newsletter includes a guest editorial.
She collected every number of the quarterly review.

Synonyms:

issue

a standard size designation for clothing

He wears a number 42 in shirts.
The store sells jeans in every number from 28 to 38.
She checked the number on the jacket before buying it.
Shoes are available in various numbers.
The uniform comes in number 10 for adults.

a numeral or sequence of numerals used for identification, often linked to accounts, memberships, or official records

Enter your account number to log in.
The library card has a unique number.
His membership number is printed on the ID.
She wrote down the reference number for the parcel.
The invoice number helps track payments.

a select group or company of people

Only a small number attended the meeting.
A number of experts were invited to the seminar.
A distinguished number of guests arrived at the ceremony.
A large number of students participated in the competition.
A number of officials spoke at the conference.

a piece of clothing, often worn for identification in sports or performance

She wore number 7 in the marathon.
He lost his number during the race and had to borrow another.
Volunteers wore a number for easy recognition at the event.
The dancer's number helped the judges track the performance.
Performers were assigned a number for the stage lineup.

(grammar) the form of a word that indicates whether one, two, or more things or people are being referred to

Number is a grammatical category that indicates the quantity of a noun, pronoun, or verb in a sentence. It typically reflects whether something is singular, meaning one, or plural, meaning more than one. For example, in the sentence "The cat is sleeping," the noun "cat" is singular, indicating one animal. In contrast, in the sentence "The cats are sleeping," the noun "cats" is plural, indicating multiple animals. Number also affects verb forms and agreement in many languages, requiring that the verb matches the subject in terms of singularity or plurality. Understanding number is essential for proper sentence structure and clarity in communication.

In English grammar, the number of a noun or pronoun indicates whether it is singular or plural, affecting the form of verbs and pronouns in a sentence.
The subject-verb agreement rule states that a singular subject must agree with a singular verb in number, while a plural subject must agree with a plural verb.
The number of students in the classroom determines whether the teacher uses singular or plural pronouns when addressing them.
When writing essays, it's important to pay attention to the number of nouns and pronouns used to ensure consistency and clarity throughout the text.
In languages like Spanish and French, nouns have gender as well as number, requiring agreement with adjectives and articles in both aspects.

an item within a sequentially ordered series

That is number 5 in the collection.
The exhibit featured number 12 from the artist.
He chose number 3 from the list of options.
Number 9 in the catalog is on sale.
The manuscript is labeled number 2 in the series.