Numbered

How to spell numbered

8 letters · 2 syllables

How to pronounce numbered

Say the part in capitals loudest.

What does numbered mean?

1. verbMarked with figures in sequence, or counted as a total.
2. adjectiveLimited in quantity and nearing an end, as in a fixed and dwindling amount.

Numbered in a sentence

• verb

  She numbered each page before binding the report.

• adjective

  His days at the failing firm were clearly numbered after the takeover.

• verb

  The workers numbered the boxes so the movers knew the loading order.

• adjective

  The old bridge's days were numbered once the new crossing opened.

Where does numbered come from?

Language of origin: Latin

This is the past form of the verb 'number', which traces back to the Latin numerus, meaning 'a count, a sum, or a quantity'. Latin numerus passed into Old French as nombre, and English took it in during the 1200s as 'noumbre' or 'nombre', the 'b' reflecting that French spelling. Over time English added a hard 'b' sound and then quietly let it fall silent again, leaving the troublesome silent 'b' that survives in the modern spelling. The same numerus root sits inside familiar relatives such as 'numeral', 'numerous', and 'enumerate', which is a handy reminder that the word is built on 'number' plus a simple '-ed' ending. The silent 'b' between 'm' and 'er' is the only real trap, since the spoken word gives no clue that it is there.

How the word is built

• number (from Latin numerus: a count)
• -ed (past tense / participle suffix)