lowest terms

plural noun

: the form of a fraction in which the numerator and denominator have no factor in common except 1
reduce a fraction to lowest terms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Members of Parliament from the Scottish National Party, which favors independence for Scotland, where the majority of voters opposed Brexit, described the new trade and security deal in the lowest terms. Washington Post, 30 Dec. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lowest terms.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lowest terms was in 1674

Dictionary Entries Near lowest terms

Cite this Entry

“Lowest terms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lowest%20terms. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

lowest terms

noun plural
: the form of a fraction in which the numerator and denominator have no factor in common except 1
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