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
(4)
numbers plural
: a numerous group : many - numbers died on the way
- —Marjory S. Douglas
(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
c (1)
: a unit belonging to an abstract mathematical system and subject to specified laws of succession, addition, and multiplication ;
especially
: natural number
(2)
: an element (such as π) of any of many mathematical systems obtained by extension of or analogy with the natural number system
(3)
numbers plural
: arithmetic - Teach children their numbers.
2
: a distinction of word form to denote reference to one or more than one - A subject and its verb should agree in number.
;
also
: a form or group of forms so distinguished
3
numbers plural
a (1)
: metrical structure : meter - … most by numbers judge a poet's song.
- —Alexander Pope
(2)
: metrical lines : verses - These numbers will I tear, and write in prose.
- —Shakespeare
b
archaic
: musical sounds : notes
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
c (1)
: a member of a sequence or collection designated by especially consecutive numbers (such as an issue of a periodical) - just received issue number 8 of the magazine
(2)
: a position in a numbered sequence - You're number 7 on the waiting list.
5
: one singled out from a group : individual: such as
a
: girl, woman - met an attractive number at the dance
b (1)
: a musical, theatrical, or literary selection or production - The actors broke into a song and dance number.
(2)
: routine, act - The comedian's number had the audience laughing out loud.
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
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
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.
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