a number of

Idioms

A collection of persons or things; several. For example, A number of tours are available, or We've visited a number of times. This idiom often is modified by an adjective giving some idea of quantity, as in Only a small number are going. [1300s] Also see any number of.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

a number of

Ukraine's energy ministry said "a massive attack on a number of energy facilities" had plunged five regions into darkness and significantly hampered electricity transmission in Kyiv and surrounding region.

From Barron's ● Nov. 7, 2026

Earlier on Friday, police carried out a number of searches in County Fermanagh, including Lough Erne.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

September industrial production and trade figures will also be released Thursday, while a number of BOE policymakers are due to speak during the week.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

Those reported orders never materialized for several reasons, including a number of high-profile recalls and a much higher price tag than expected.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 6, 2026

The staff included Haitian doctors, nurses, a number of aides, and community workers, about 150 in all.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023