number one

noun

1. oneself, especially one's own well-being or interests:

   to look out for number one.

2. a person, company, etc., that is first in rank, order, or prestige:

   Our team is number one.

3. urination: used especially by or with reference to children.

adjective

1. of the highest in quality, status, importance, etc.; first-rate:

   a number one performance.

2. first in rank, order, or prestige:

   the number one book on the bestseller list.

number one

noun

1. the first in a series or sequence
2. an informal phrase for oneself myself

   to look after number one

3. informal.
   the most important person; leader, chief

   he's number one in the organization

4. informal.
   the bestselling pop record in any one week
5. euphemistic.
   the act or an instance of urination
6. a haircut in which the hair is cut very close to the head with an electric shaver

adjective

1. first in importance, urgency, quality, etc

   number one priority

2. informal.
   (of a pop record) having reached the top of the charts

Word History and Origins

Origin of number one¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. make / do / go number one, Informal. to urinate: used especially by or with reference to children.

Example Sentences

Fresh from breaking into the top 25, British number one Boulter can secure victory for her nation in the best-of-three encounter when she plays 84th-ranked Laura Siegemund later on Friday.

From BBC

And even though the winner of 39 Grand Slam titles is conflicted by the WTA's move into Saudi Arabia, she thinks a female world number one from the Middle East "could influence in a huge way".

From BBC

The Brazilian, 32, has been Liverpool's number one since his £66.8m move from Roma in 2018 - playing 271 times and winning the Champions League and Premier League.

From BBC

"I've made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a number one and play week in, week out," said Kelleher in September.

From BBC

He only became the Republic of Ireland number one after an injury to Southampton's 22-year-old Gavin Bazunu, who has played 162 matches for four different clubs.

From BBC

Related Words

• champion
• winner