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

Many middle schoolers were already taking the equivalent of a first year of Spanish or French or honors math that mirrored high school algebra, said Jayne Willard, D203 assistant superintendent for curriculum. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

In algebra, Clementine writes with her finger on a touch screen to solve equations. —Jocelyn Gecker, Fortune, 26 May 2026

In algebra, Clementine writes with her finger on a touch screen to solve equations. —ABC News, 25 May 2026

Once again, the Rays are practicing college-level algebra while the rest of the league is counting with their fingers. —John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026

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