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

This nostalgic touch sets the scene for a whirlwind tour of middle school staples in Pak’s two-hander, as 13-year-old besties Mo (Emily Zhang) and Steff (Olivia Lindsay) navigate formal dances, first periods, algebra class, line-dancing lessons and after-school detention. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025

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

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