Number/ˈnʌmbər/ Definition 1 of 7Pro Tip 1/2Instruction Clarity Use 'number' when giving clear, specific instructions involving quantities. Please bring me a number of boxes specified on the list. Pro Tip 2/2Avoid Vagueness Saying 'a large number' can be vague; be specific if it's important. A large number of people attended, around two thousand.