a number of

phrase

: more than two but fewer than many : several
There are a number of different options to choose from.

Examples of a number of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a series of eyebrow raising trades, investors purchased a number of November VIX calls that payoff if the index stays elevated through November. — Tyler Bailey, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Its usage and its resulting costs are now based on a number of variable factors. — Ciaran Cosgrave, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 In the wake of Fairchild’s death, his family members filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles County, Eric Barraza — the deputy who the monitors said used force against Fairchild — and a number of unnamed deputies who were working in the jail that day. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Maximilian Davis’ latest ready-to-wear collection for Ferragamo hit the runway during Milan Fashion Week last month, with a number of belted ensembles on display, including look 40, worn by Dion on Friday. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for a number of

Rhymes for a number of

See All Rhymes for a number of

Browse Nearby Words

A number 1
a number of
anunder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“A number of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20number%20of. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of compunction

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All