combinatorics

noun

com·bi·na·tor·ics ˌkäm-bə-nə-ˈtȯr-iks

-ˈtär-,

kəm-ˌbī-nə-,

-(ˌ)bi-

plural in form but singular in construction

: combinatorial mathematics

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of combinatorics was in 1940

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Combinatorics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combinatorics. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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