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

While the competition is aimed at pre-university mathematicians, the questions require critical thinking and an understanding of multiple mathematical disciplines, including algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. —Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025

But many of the strongest math students take algebra in middle school, so high schools don’t get credit for those students’ algebra scores. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025

The most notable achievements are a 15-percentage point increase in algebra 1 proficiency, a 7-percentage point increase in English language arts in grades 9 and 10 and an overall increase in English language arts of 4 percentage points. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025

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