The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word SONG
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
O
N
G
More clues leading to the result SONG
- Number fifty-six is lost from your present mission?
- A number a lot may go for cheaply?
- Sulphur and oxygen no good for the air
- Improved on G&S ditty
- It may be recalled as number penned by G&S?
- . Call some prison guards
- Prison governor’s number
- Not all there, Johnson glibly lied
- … left over from farewell performance?
- Something recorded by 26, for example, is a mere trifle with 1A
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "number" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case number = song.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SONG mean?
SONG noun- A musical composition with lyrics for voice or voices, performed by singing.
- (by extension) Any musical composition.
- Poetical composition; poetry; verse.
- The act or art of singing.
- A melodious sound made by a bird, insect, whale or other animal.
- The distinctive sound that a male bird utters to attract a mate or to protect his territory; contrasts with call
- A low price, especially one under the expected value; chiefly in for a song.
- An object of derision; a laughing stock.