Boolean

adjective

Bool·​ean ˈbü-lē-ən How to pronounce Boolean (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a logical combinatorial system (such as Boolean algebra) that represents symbolically relationships (such as those implied by the logical operators AND, OR, and NOT) between entities (such as sets, propositions, or on-off computer circuit elements)
Boolean expression
Boolean search strategy for information retrieval

Examples of Boolean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Remember using Boolean search techniques for early web searches? Jessica Billingsley, Rolling Stone, 2 Feb. 2024 In the mid-nineteenth century, a great-great-grandfather of Hinton’s, the English mathematician George Boole, developed the system of binary reasoning, now known as Boolean algebra, that is fundamental to all computing. Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 These two steps of translation entail both Boolean logic and timing control through flip-flops. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2023 Courtesy of LinkedIn Instead of conducting complex Boolean searches or filling out over a dozen filter fields, recruiters can simply type their candidate criteria into a search bar using natural language. Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2023 Another was a Boolean variable that was either true or false: lethal force was either permitted or prohibited. Erico Guizzoevan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2016 The last common way of defining Dedekind numbers is in terms of Boolean functions. Rachel Crowell, Quanta Magazine, 1 Aug. 2023 Related Story The Math Behind Discovering Exoplanets Dedekind numbers are calculated specifically using strings of a type of Boolean function called a monotone Boolean. Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 13 July 2023 Dedekind numbers are calculated specifically using strings of a type of Boolean function called a monotone Boolean. Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 13 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Boolean.' 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

George Boole †1864 English mathematician

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Boolean was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near Boolean

Cite this Entry

“Boolean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Boolean. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Boolean

adjective
Bool·​ean ˈbü-lē-ən How to pronounce Boolean (audio)
: of, relating to, or being Boolean algebra
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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