number sign

USAGE SUMMARY

"number sign" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate the symbol "#", which is used in various contexts. For example, you might write, "I need to enter my code: #12345678".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Sealed boxes (containing only restricted materials) are indicated with a number sign.

Columbia University

The proposed change would allow the box number to be preceded by either PMB or the number sign, but not by words like Suite, Room or Apartment.

The New York Times

Elsewhere it's called a number sign (because #3, or "alt+3+3" in my case, means number three) or a "hex".

The Guardian - Arts

One blogger, for example, described a visit to a rural Ohio motor vehicle office where he ignored the "take a number" sign, since he was the only customer in the room.

The New York Times

Though it is now referred to by a number of different names — "hash mark," "number sign," and even "octothorpe," a jokey appellation coined by engineers working on the Touch-Tone telephone keypad — the phrase "pound sign" can be traced to the symbol's ancient origins.

The New Yorker

In a campaign that began on May 6, the Jewish Federations of North America, which is based in New York, is asking, "What's your #ish?" The "#" in front of the "ish" -- known as a hash mark, number sign, hash tag, pound sign or tick-tack-toe symbol -- signals that the campaign is centered in the social media like Twitter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

But only Chuck Finley reached that number, signing with Cleveland for $9 million a year for three years.

The New York Times - Sports

The Department of Health said the number signing up was "going up all the time".

Independent

The number signed up for the campaign was approaching 11,000 last night.

The Guardian

Although the number of HBO subscribers is broadly flat at around 28m, about 10m households drop the service each year, with the same number signing up.

The Economist

That could let advertisers send users to a Facebook Offer coupon they're distributing, a contest app they've launched, or an email or phone number sign-up widget.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documentation, consider using "number sign" for clarity, especially when the audience may not be familiar with informal terms like "hash".

Common error

Avoid using "number sign" interchangeably with the British pound symbol (£) or other similar-looking symbols. Context is key to ensure the reader understands the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number sign" functions primarily as a noun, specifically referring to the symbol '#' in written and technical contexts. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in diverse fields, from scientific research to social media discussions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "number sign" accurately describes the '#' symbol and is widely used across various domains. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its correct application, confirming its grammatical validity. While alternative terms like "hash symbol" or "pound sign" exist, "number sign" offers clarity and precision, particularly in formal contexts. While often found in Science, News & Media, and Academia, understanding its formal tone, function, and common usage is crucial for effective communication. It is a useful term when you are not sure if your audience understands the term hashtag.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hash symbol

Focuses on the symbol's visual representation and is commonly used in technical contexts.

the # symbol

A more explicit way of referring to the symbol, useful for clarity.

number symbol

A broad term indicating the symbol's use to represent numbers or quantities.

pound symbol

Highlights the symbol's historical association with weight measurement, primarily in the United States.

hash mark

Emphasizes the symbol's function as a mark or notation.

the hash

A shorter, informal term for the symbol, commonly used in technical discussions.

octothorpe

A less common, technical term coined by Bell Labs engineers.

hashtag symbol

Specifically refers to the symbol's use on social media platforms like Twitter.

the pound key

Refers to the key on a telephone keypad that features the symbol.

tic-tac-toe symbol

Relates the symbol to the grid used in the game tic-tac-toe, highlighting its visual similarity.

FAQs

How do I use "number sign" in a sentence?

You can use "number sign" to refer to the symbol #, as in, "Enter the code followed by the "number sign"".

What's another name for the "number sign"?

The "number sign" is also known as the "hash symbol", "pound symbol", or "octothorpe".

Is it correct to call the "number sign" a "hashtag"?

While the "number sign" is used to create hashtags on social media, "hashtag" refers to the entire phrase (e.g., #example), not just the symbol itself.

What is the origin of the term "octothorpe" for the "number sign"?

"Octothorpe" is a somewhat humorous term coined by engineers at Bell Laboratories. The exact origin is debated, but it's a playful alternative name for the "number sign".