a printed or written figure that identifies a particular thing a quantity of things or people an amount in figures nouna quantity of things or people ExamplesThe number of persons on the payroll has increased over the last year. • The number of days lost through strikes has fallen.a printed or written figure that identifies a particular thing ExamplesPlease write your account number on the back of the cheque. • If you have a complaint to make, always quote the batch number. • She noted the cheque number in the ledger.an amount in figuresverbto put a figure on a document Examplesto number an order • I refer to your invoice numbered 1234. to put a figure on a document