Word
numbers
Phoneticsnum·bers, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnəmbɝz/
UK/nˈʌmbəz/
Definitions
01plural of number
A1 · Beginner Plural noun
n. more than one number, like 5, 10, and 20.
n. the plural form of 'number', referring to multiple mathematical units or values.
“The children are learning to write their numbers from one to ten.”
“The accountant spent the afternoon verifying the numbers in the annual report to ensure there were no discrepancies.”
Usage
Countable noun used in its plural form.
02many people
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun
n. a large group of people or things.
n. a large quantity of people or items, often implying strength, safety, or a collective force.
“There is safety in numbers, so please stay with the group.”
“The protest grew in numbers as the afternoon progressed, eventually filling the entire city square.”
Usage
Usually appears in the plural; common in the idiom 'safety in numbers'.
03the Bible
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Religion Formal
n. the fourth book of the Bible.
n. the fourth book of the Old Testament and the Torah, containing a census of the Israelites.
“The priest gave a sermon based on a story from the Book of Numbers.”
“Scholars often examine the Book of Numbers to understand the social and tribal structure of the early Israelites.”
Teaching tip
Always capitalized when referring to the biblical book.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “numbers” in context.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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