a number of

a number of (something)

Several (people or things). Don't worry, there are a number of options to choose from if this one doesn't appeal to you. Are you planning on going to the event tonight? A number of us are going too. A number of complaints have come in today, boss. I think something's wrong with the coding system.

See also: number, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a number of

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.

See also: number, of

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.