algebra

noun

al·​ge·​bra ˈal-jə-brə How to pronounce algebra (audio)
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 noun

Examples of algebra in a Sentence

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.
Born in 1765, Ruffini was known for his work in algebra and worked as a medical doctor. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Because this isn’t the way math instructors were taught, nor are these subjects as familiar as the algebra, trigonometry, and calculus textbooks that have calcified our quantitative skills. Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 But eighth-grader Elijah, 12, excited for his first algebra class, said middle school is not all awkward or challenging. Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Holland remembers the years when every eighth grader had earned high school algebra, technology and foreign language credits. Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for algebra

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of algebra was in 1551

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Algebra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/algebra. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

algebra

noun
al·​ge·​bra ˈal-jə-brə How to pronounce algebra (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on algebra

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!