What does "fewer" mean?

(comparative of ‘few’ used with count nouns) quantifier meaning a smaller number of

Usage Contextformalediting

Note: Use for countable nouns.

Fewer

Common synonyms include: less, less frictional heating, less in number, less numerous, less numerous items, less publicness.

/ˈfjuː.ɚ/ det

det ·Rare ·Advanced level

Adjective

1
(comparative of ‘few’ used with count nouns) quantifier meaning a smaller number of wordnet

Determiner

1
comparative degree of few; a smaller number. comparative, form-of
"Fewer women wear hats these days."

"Are you creating for us a future world where there is a greater danger of skin cancer, weakened bodies, less food and fewer plants and animals?"

From Middle English fewere, equivalent to few + -er.

Fewer vs Less: The Practical Rule (and When to Bend It)

Use fewer and less correctly in everyday writing without sounding stiff.