factor
verb
factored; factoring
ˈfak-t(ə-)riŋ 
: to work as a factor
1
: to resolve into factors
2
a
: to include or admit as a factor
—used with in or into
factor inflation into our calculations
b
: to exclude as a factor
—used with out
Did you know?
In Latin factor means simply "doer". So in English a factor is an "actor" or element or ingredient in some situation or quantity. Charm can be a factor in someone's success, and lack of exercise can be a factor in producing a poor physique. In math we use factor to mean a number that can be multiplied or divided to produce a given number (for example, 5 and 8 are factors of 40). And in biology a gene may be called a factor, since genes are ingredients in the total organism.
Examples of factor in a Sentence
you should factor in inflation in making investment decisions
Recent Examples on the Web
The company also says Siri will be able to factor personal information on a user’s iPhone into answers, such as referring to photos on a user’s phone when answering queries.
—
Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Since the frailty of supply chains has been repeatedly exposed in the past decade, the AI models also factor in these conditions during the discovery process itself to ensure that the material developed is practically possible and can be scaled.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
His success greatly factored into President Lyndon Johnson’s decision in 1967 to appoint him to the Supreme Court, a move that came during a period of violence nationwide due to the Civil Rights Movement.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
According to a 2025 American Home Shield survey, the first year of homeownership can cost $86,698 when factoring in down payment, furnishing, renovations and tools purchased.
—Kathy Collins, Fortune, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for factor
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Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Since the frailty of supply chains has been repeatedly exposed in the past decade, the AI models also factor in these conditions during the discovery process itself to ensure that the material developed is practically possible and can be scaled.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
His success greatly factored into President Lyndon Johnson’s decision in 1967 to appoint him to the Supreme Court, a move that came during a period of violence nationwide due to the Civil Rights Movement.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
According to a 2025 American Home Shield survey, the first year of homeownership can cost $86,698 when factoring in down payment, furnishing, renovations and tools purchased.
—Kathy Collins, Fortune, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for factor
Cite this Entry
“Factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/factor. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
factor
1 of 2 noun
fac·tor
ˈfak-tər
1
: one that buys or sells property for another : agent
2
: something that contributes to the production of a result
price wasn't a factor in our decision
3
: gene
4
: any of the numbers or symbols in mathematics that when multiplied together form a product
especially
: a number that divides another number without leaving a remainder
the factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, and 6
factor
2 of 2 verb
factored; factoring
-t(ə-)riŋ
1
: to find the mathematical factors of and especially the prime mathematical factors
2
: to act as a factor
attendance will factor into your grade
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