integer

noun

in·​te·​ger ˈin-ti-jər How to pronounce integer (audio)
1
: any of the natural numbers, the negatives of these numbers, or zero
2
: a complete entity

Examples of integer in a Sentence

Both 10 and -10 are integers. three is a positive integer
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The curriculum tackles a small number of seminal topics in each school year—like ratio and proportion or the concept of integers—and teaches these deeply from multiple angles. Linda Darling-Hammond, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 Given that there are infinitely many positive integers of all different sizes, however, this number is minuscule compared with even larger primes. Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 16 June 2025 In the new work, researchers show how to factor an integer of any size with a single qubit and three components known as oscillators — readily available devices typically associated with other quantum technology, like optics systems. Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 9 June 2025 Graphically, this can be represented a little better if ∅ symbolizes the empty set: 0 = ∅ 1 = {0} = {∅} 2 = {0, 1} = {∅, {∅}} 3 = {0, 1, 2} = {∅, {∅}, {∅, {∅}}} Zermelo has thus laid the foundations for integers. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for integer

Word History

Etymology

Latin, adjective, whole, entire — more at entire entry 1

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of integer was in 1571

Cite this Entry

“Integer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

integer

noun
in·​te·​ger ˈint-i-jər How to pronounce integer (audio)
: a number that is a natural number (as 1, 2, or 3), the negative of a natural number, or 0

called also whole number

More from Merriam-Webster on integer

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