algebra

noun

al·​ge·​bra ˈal-jə-brə 

1

: a generalization of arithmetic in which letters representing numbers are combined according to the rules of arithmetic

2

: any of various systems or branches of mathematics or logic concerned with the properties and relationships of abstract entities (such as complex numbers, matrices, sets, vectors, groups, rings, or fields) manipulated in symbolic form under operations often analogous to those of arithmetic compare boolean algebra

algebraist

ˈal-jə-ˌbrā-ist 

noun

Examples of algebra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once again, the Rays are practicing college-level algebra while the rest of the league is counting with their fingers. —John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026

In algebra, meanwhile, an important category is that of abelian groups — groups that have useful symmetries. —Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 20 May 2026

The state also seeks to adopt similar reforms for primary-school mathematics, mandating math coaches in all schools, prioritizing grades 2-6, and placing a cutoff gate for fifth grade so that only students who are ready will move on to sixth-grade algebra classes. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 11 May 2026

Kids should be learning real-world probability and statistics instead of algebra and calculus equations. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-jabr, literally, the reduction

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing algebra

• abstract algebra
• Boolean algebra
• linear algebra

Kids Definition

algebra

noun

al·​ge·​bra ˈal-jə-brə 

: a branch of mathematics that uses letters to represent numbers and that studies numbers and the operations (as multiplication and addition) that are used on them

algebraic

ˌal-jə-ˈbrā-ik

adjective

algebraically

-ˈbrā-ə-k(ə-)lē

adverb