number
/ˈnʌmbə/
This term serves as the fundamental building block of mathematics, acting as a symbolic representation of quantity. It allows for the abstract manipulation of values regardless of the physical objects being counted, enabling everything from basic commerce to complex physics. In a social or administrative context, the term often shifts from representing a quantity to acting as a unique identifier. In these instances, the value is no longer used for calculation but serves as a label, such as in a badge number or a street address.
Countable when referring to a specific digit or a mathematical entity (e.g., a prime number). Uncountable when referring to the general concept of numerical value or quantity.
💬Casual Conversation
Bro, the number of plates on that bar is insane!
It is literally just two. stop acting like it is a world record.
Meanings
An arithmetical value representing a particular quantity, and used in counting, calculating, and measuring.
"The number of students in the class is twenty-five."
Examples
What's your number? I'll text you the address.
I can't believe the number of emails in my inbox right now.
Look, the number on the scale is finally going down!
Stop lying about the number of reps you actually did!
Is that number inclusive of the tax or not?
I just don't have the number of hours needed for this project.
The number of times I've told you to clean up is insane.
Wait, is this the right number for the doctor?
Collocations & Compounds
phone number
a sequence of digits used to call someone
Can I get your phone number?
serial number
a unique identifier for a product
Check the serial number on the back of the laptop.
prime number
a number divisible only by one and itself
Seven is a prime number.
number of people
the total count of individuals
A huge number of people attended the rally.
random number
a value chosen without any specific pattern
The app generates a random number for the winner.
Phrasal Verbs
number off
to count people in a sequence
The coach told the players to number off by threes.
Idioms & Sayings
a number of
several or many
A number of issues arose during the meeting.
back number
a previous issue of a magazine or newspaper
I'm looking for a back number of the Vogue June issue.