numeral

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noun

nu·​mer·​al ˈnü-mə-rəl 

ˈnüm-rə-;

ˈnyü-mə-,

ˈnyüm-rə-

plural numerals

1

: a conventional symbol that represents a number

The numeral 46 represents the number forty-six.

Such numbers, about 4,000 of them, hereafter are preceded by the numeral 3.

—Colin Ainsworth

see also arabic numeral, roman numeral

2

numerals plural : numbers that designate by year a school or college class and that are awarded for distinction in an extracurricular activity

He won numerals in football, swimming and track his first year when freshman were not eligible for varsity sports under NCAA rules.

—Roger Cushman

numeral

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adjective

1

: of, relating to, or expressing numbers

binary numeral systems

2

: consisting of numbers or numerals

numeral passwords

numerally adverb

… a numerally small but critically placed corps of military vassals.

—Cornelius J. Kiley

Synonyms

Noun

• digit
• number

Examples of numeral in a Sentence

Noun

a birthday candle in the shape of the numeral 4

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Something about the styles clash between the logo and numerals/font leaves me unsettled and upset. —The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

Arabic numerals originated in India, Chinese checkers are German, white chocolate isn’t chocolate at all. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025

Adjective

This is my fifth album, so five is a Roman numeral V. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025

The numeral 8—along with lily of the valley and a five-pointed star—was one of Monsieur Dior’s lucky symbols. —Maya Alzaben, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of numeral entry 2

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin numerālis, from Latin numerus number entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing numeral

• Arabic numeral
• Roman numeral

Rhymes for numeral

• humeral
• humoral
• glenohumeral

Kids Definition

numeral

noun

nu·​mer·​al

ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəl

1

: a symbol or group of symbols representing a number

2

plural : numbers that designate by year a school or college class and that are awarded for distinction (as in sports)