Number: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for a quantity or amount. Suitable for both mathematical and everyday contexts.

• What's your phone number? There are a number of reasons why we should go

Refers specifically to the written symbols that represent numbers. Often used in academic or historical contexts.

• Roman numerals are commonly used for the titles of monarchs and popes
• The numeral '4' is written as 'IV' in Roman numerals

Commonly used to refer to numeric representations in financial, formal, or statistical contexts. Can also mean a person's body shape or a drawing.

• She is a key figure in the company
• The company's profits increased by six figures

Refers specifically to any of the ten numerical symbols from 0 to 9. Often used in technical or precise contexts.

• The number 945 has three digits
• The last digit of my ID is 7

Use when you refer to countable things or discrete entities.

• The number of students in the class is 30.
• I have a number of books on my shelf.

Use for measurable amounts of countable or uncountable things, often in more formal contexts.

• We need a large quantity of rice for the party.
• The quantity of information available online is staggering.

Appropriate for uncountable things or when referring to the total mass or volume of something.

• The amount of water in the bottle is two liters.
• She feels a large amount of stress before exams.

Best for indicating the sum or final count of multiple items or amounts.

• The total cost of the trip was $500.
• The total number of participants reached one hundred.

Used to refer to a quantity or position in a series. Commonly used in counting, identifying items, or specifying an order.

• I need your phone number.
• She's number one in her class.
• The number of participants is increasing.

Used to refer to a set of characteristics or traits that make a person distinct. Also used to describe someone well-known, particularly in the media.

• She has a bubbly personality.
• The television personality is known for his humor.
• His strong personality made him a great leader.

Used to describe a famous person, particularly someone known in the entertainment industry. Often implies public recognition and attention.

• The celebrity was surrounded by fans.
• He became a celebrity after his movie hit the big screen.
• The charity gala was attended by many celebrities.

Used to describe a person who is exceptionally famous and successful in their field, especially in entertainment or sports. Occasionally used to refer to astronomical stars.

• The movie star signed autographs for hours.
• She is the star player of the team.
• We looked at the stars in the night sky.