continuum

noun

con·​tin·​u·​um kən-ˈtin-yü-əm 

plural continua kən-ˈtin-yü-ə  also continuums

1

: a coherent whole characterized as a collection, sequence, or progression of values or elements varying by minute degrees

"Good" and "bad" … stand at opposite ends of a continuum instead of describing the two halves of a line.

—Wayne Shumaker

2

: the set of real numbers including both the rationals and the irrationals

broadly : a compact set which cannot be separated into two sets neither of which contains a limit point of the other

Examples of continuum in a Sentence

His motives for volunteering lie somewhere on the continuum between charitable and self-serving.

a continuum of temperatures ranging from very cold to very hot

Recent Examples on the Web

These friezes reflected the aspirations of the nation’s leaders to place America on the continuum of great civilizations. — Jennifer Tucker, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026

Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones fall on opposing ends of the leg-shaving continuum. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

The head-spinning shift has sparked a continuum of reactions, from doom and gloom to reckless exuberance. — Rochelle Blease, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Skinner said the tribe is building a continuum of care, which will include a variety of treatment options, not just inpatient care. — Sarah Liese, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin, noun derivative from neuter of Latin continuus continuous

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

continuum

noun

con·​tin·​u·​um kən-ˈtin-yə-wəm 

plural continuua

-yə-wə

also continuums

: something that is continuous and the same throughout and that is often thought of as a series of elements or values which differ by only tiny amounts

"light" and "dark" stand at opposite ends of a continuum