Definition of number
1 a (1)
: a sum of units : total
- the number of people in the hall
(2)
: complement 1b(1)
- … the whole number of Senators …
- —U.S. Constitution
(3)
: an indefinite usually large total
- a number of members were absent
- the number of elderly is rising
(5)
: a numerical preponderance (see preponderance 2)
- There's safety in numbers.
b (1)
: the characteristic of an individual by which it is treated as a unit or of a collection by which it is treated in terms of units
- there is a limited number of such laboratories
- —P. D. Close
(2)
: an ascertainable total
- bugs beyond number
c (1)
: a unit belonging to an abstract mathematical system and subject to specified laws of succession, addition, and multiplication
- a number divisible by 2
(2)
: an element (such as π) of any of many mathematical systems obtained by extension of or analogy with the natural number system
2
: a distinction of word form to denote reference to one or more than one
- A subject and its verb should agree in number.
3
numbers plural
4 a
: a word, symbol, letter, or combination of symbols representing a number
- Spell out the numbers one through ten.
b
: a numeral or combination of numerals or other symbols used to identify or designate
- dialed the wrong number
d
: a group of one kind
- not of their number
5
: one singled out from a group : individual: such as
d
: an act of transforming or impairing
- tripped and did a number on her knee
e
: an item of merchandise and especially clothing
- put that black velvet number with the sequins on the blonde dummy
- —Bennett Cerf
6
: insight into a person's ability or character
- had my number
7
numbers plural in form but singular or plural in construction
a
: a form of lottery in which an individual wagers on the appearance of a certain combination of digits (as in regularly published numbers) — called also
numbers game
b
: 2policy 2a
8
numbers plural
a
: figures representing amounts of money usually in dollars spent, earned, or involved
- We won't be able to stay in business with numbers like these.
b (1)
: statistics 2;
especially
: individual statistics (as of an athlete)
- Her numbers make her the most valuable member of the team.
(2)
: rating 3c
9
: a person represented by a number or considered without regard to individuality
- at the university I was just a number
10
: lifetime 1a
—used with up
- the old feeling that comes to men in combat … that your number was up
- —Geoffrey Norman
—
by the numbers
1
: in unison to a specific count or cadence
2
: in a systematic, routine, or mechanical manner
- a program run not by the numbers but with concern for the participants
