denominator

noun

de·​nom·​i·​na·​tor di-ˈnä-mə-ˌnā-tər 

1

mathematics : the part of a fraction that is below the line and that functions as the divisor of the numerator

2

a

: a shared trait

a common denominator

b

: the average level (as of taste or opinion) : standard

manufacturers catering to a safely low denominator of public taste Time

Examples of denominator in a Sentence

In the fraction 2/3 the numerator is 2 and the denominator is 3.

Recent Examples on the Web

The gray bars represent recessions and as the federal government doesn’t tend to lay people off as many private employers do in difficult times, temporary upward spikes are understandable as the denominator of the ratio shrinks, making the resulting fraction larger. —Erik Sherman, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025

Two new criminal enterprises have been identified with one common and dangerous denominator: FrigidStealer Apple data theft attacks. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

However, should policymakers decide to extend the dividend to non-taxpayers, the denominator would increase sharply, thereby reducing the per-household payout. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

The calculation for VO2 max accounts for body mass in the denominator. —Jakob Roze, Health, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see denominate

First Known Use

circa 1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing denominator

• common denominator
• least common denominator
• lowest common denominator

Rhymes for denominator

• accelerator
• accumulator
• adjudicator
• administrator
• appropriator
• articulator
• attenuator
• bronchodilator
• collaborator
• communicator
• conciliator
• cooperator

Kids Definition

denominator

noun

de·​nom·​i·​na·​tor di-ˈnäm-ə-ˌnāt-ər 

: the part of a fraction that is below the line and that functions as the divisor of the numerator