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number2
1 [transitive] to give a number to something that is part of an ordered set or list : 
They haven't numbered the pages of the report.All the seats in the theatre are numbered. a numbering system
They haven't numbered the pages of the report.All the seats in the theatre are numbered.a numbering system2 [linking verb] if people or things number a particular amount, that is how many there are : The population of the town numbered about 5,000. The men on strike now number 5% of the workforce.
The population of the town numbered about 5,000.The men on strike now number 5% of the workforce.3 used to say that someone or something cannot live or continue for much longer : I knew my days were numbered at that firm.
somebody's/something's days are numbered
I knew my days were numbered at that firm.4 to be included as one of a particular group : He was a successful corporate lawyer who numbered among his clients J.P. Morgan and Standard Oil.
number among something/be numbered among something
formalHe was a successful corporate lawyer who numbered among his clients J.P. Morgan and Standard Oil.5 [transitive] literary to count something : Who can number the stars?
Who can number the stars?number off
phrasal verbPMA if soldiers number off, each one calls out their number when their turn comes [= count off American English]
