numero uno

[ noo-muh-roh oo-noh, nyoo- ]

noun

1. number one ( defs 1, 2 ).

adjective

1. number one ( def 4, 5 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of numero uno¹

Borrowed into English from Italian around 1970–75

Example Sentences

Several of the defendants referred to Mr. Adani as “Mr. A,” “Numero uno” and “the big man.”

From New York Times

The first big markets where it became cerveza numero uno were, not surprisingly, the heavily Hispanic metros of Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Las Vegas.

From Slate

Todo ello después de que Elon Musk declaró que “eliminar la explotación infantil es la prioridad número uno” en un tuit a finales de noviembre.

From New York Times

Though it seems impossible that wheeler-dealer Charlie, Mr. Sharper Image incarnate, will ever put anyone ahead of Numero Uno, there’s a little room for hope by the movie’s end.

From Los Angeles Times

Your reputed statement that Bill Russell is “numero uno” or “ichiban” is preposterous.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• early