SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

by numbers

Definition of by numbers

:in a way that follows the rules or instructions but that is not interesting or original

Dancing by numbers isn't good enough. You have to really feel the music.

Word by Word Definitions

Numbers play

: the mainly narrative fourth book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see Bible Table

See the full definition of Numbers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up by numbers? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

adversity

play

serious difficulty or misfortune

Words at Play

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Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Where did we get 'freshman' and 'sophomore'?

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The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

In the past, you could invent fruit.

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I'll Have the Us(ual)

Shortening 'usual': easy to say, hard to spell

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The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

From the front hallways to the back rooms

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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The Exceptions Quiz III

Which of these things doesn't belong?

Take the quiz

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Forms of Government Quiz

Name that government! Or something like that.

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How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

Play the game