numerical

adjective

nu·​mer·​i·​cal nu̇-ˈmer-i-kəl How to pronounce numerical (audio)
nyu̇-
1
: of or relating to numbers
the numerical superiority of the enemy
2
: expressed in or involving numbers or a number system
numerical standing in a class
a numerical code
numerically
nu̇-ˈmer-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce numerical (audio)
nyu̇-
adverb

Examples of numerical in a Sentence

The files are organized according to a numerical system. The files are in numerical order.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Write down your birth month, date, and year in numerical form. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 16 July 2026 The math world just got a new genius—a prodigy who announced himself by affixing his name to his signature feat of numerical prowess. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 July 2026 This gives it more numerical bulk but a less uniformly modern force than its American counterpart. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026 Assembly District 68 Like its numerical predecessor, this was also an expensive and competitive Assembly race in the 2026 primary. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for numerical

Word History

Etymology

Latin numerus number entry 1 + -ical

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerical was in 1628

Phrases Containing numerical

Rhymes for numerical

See All Rhymes for numerical

Browse Nearby Words

numeric
numerical
numerical analysis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Numerical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerical. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

numerical

adjective
nu·​mer·​i·​cal n(y)u̇-ˈmer-i-kəl How to pronounce numerical (audio)
1
: of or relating to numbers
2
: shown in or involving numbers or a number system
numerical order
numerically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce numerical (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on numerical

Nglish: Translation of numerical for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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