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

Students can retake the algebra and language arts exams several times before graduation. —Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025

This is a simple algebra word problem similar to what students solve in middle school. —Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

From there, some straightforward algebra can reveal the original number’s factors. —Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 9 June 2025

Consider this: The kid who only retains a fourth of what is taught in physics or advanced algebra will still know a fourth more about physics or advanced algebra than the kid who never took the class at all. —Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025

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