arithmetic

noun

arith·​me·​tic ə-ˈrith-mə-ˌtik How to pronounce arithmetic (audio)
1
a
: a branch of mathematics that deals usually with the nonnegative real numbers including sometimes the transfinite cardinals and with the application of the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to them
b
: a treatise on arithmetic
2
arithmetic adjective
or arithmetical
arithmetically adverb
arithmetician noun

Examples of arithmetic in a Sentence

a software program that will do the arithmetic for you I haven't actually done the arithmetic yet, but I suspect we're losing money on the deal.
Recent Examples on the Web No set curriculum existed, and the only subjects considered necessary for middle- and upper-class girls were needlework, reading, writing, etiquette, music and a bit of arithmetic. E.r. Zarevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 In particular, mathematicians look at curves over finite fields — systems of cyclical arithmetic that are defined for each prime number. Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 But these decisions aren’t always about pure arithmetic. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 The scale of Russia’s losses has partly negated the impact of this arithmetic. Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Kids need to learn reading, writing, arithmetic, history and science. Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2024 Considering the congressional arithmetic, one wonders if there might be merit in what Cameron mentioned to Johnson. Chad Pergram, Fox News, 11 Dec. 2023 The bright college student had lost her ability to write with proficiency, do mental arithmetic, name common objects or copy a simple diagram. Rebecca Boyle, Quanta Magazine, 24 Jan. 2024 The change of prime minister has altered little or nothing for Mr. Macron in the difficult arithmetic of governing. Roger Cohen, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arithmetic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English arsmetrik, from Anglo-French arismatike, from Latin arithmetica, from Greek arithmētikē, from feminine of arithmētikos arithmetical, from arithmein to count, from arithmos number; akin to Old English rīm number, and perhaps to Greek arariskein to fit

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of arithmetic was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near arithmetic

Cite this Entry

“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arithmetic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

arithmetic

noun
arith·​me·​tic ə-ˈrith-mə-ˌtik How to pronounce arithmetic (audio)
1
: a branch of mathematics that deals with real numbers and their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
2
: an act or method of computing
arithmetic adjective
or arithmetical
arithmetically adverb
arithmetician noun

More from Merriam-Webster on arithmetic

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