number
UK: ˈnʌmbə | US: ˈnʌmbər
n. a mathematical value representing a quantity or count
n. a numeral or series of numerals used for identification (e.g., phone number)
n. a quantity or amount (e.g., "a large number of people")
vt. to assign a numeral to something (e.g., "number the pages")
vi. to amount to (e.g., "the crowd numbered in the thousands")
The word "number" traces back to the Latin numerus, meaning "count" or "quantity." It entered Middle English via Old French nombre, retaining its core meaning of numerical value. The Latin root numer- also appears in related words like "numeral" and "enumerate." Over time, "number" expanded semantically to include identification labels (e.g., "house number") and collective quantities (e.g., "a number of reasons").
The number of attendees exceeded expectations.
Please number the pages of your report.
Her phone number is listed in the directory.
The soldiers numbered fewer than fifty.
A large number of birds migrated south for winter.