ordinal number

noun

1

: a number designating the place (such as first, second, or third) occupied by an item in an ordered sequence see Table of Numbers

2

: a number assigned to an ordered set that designates both the order of its elements and its cardinal number

Examples of ordinal number in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are 25 Helena Drives in Brentwood, each a cul-de-sac preceded by a different ordinal number — 7th, 19th, etc. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2024

The guy who gave us Twin Peaks and Dune (1984) is rejecting ordinal numbers. — Zoe Guy, Vulture, 28 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ordinal number

• cumber
• lumber
• slumber
• umber
• encumber
• outnumber
• renumber

Kids Definition

ordinal number

noun

: a number indicating the place (as first, fifth, 22nd) of an item in an ordered sequence compare cardinal number see number