mathematical

adjective

math·​e·​mat·​i·​cal ˌmath-ˈma-ti-kəl 

ˌma-thə-

variants or less commonly mathematic

ˌmath-ˈma-tik 

ˌma-thə-

1

: of, relating to, or according with mathematics

2

a

: rigorously exact : precise

b

: certain

3

: possible but highly improbable

only a mathematical chance

mathematically

ˌmath-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌma-thə-

adverb

Synonyms of mathematical

• accurate
• precise
• rigorous

Examples of mathematical in a Sentence

They recorded the changes with mathematical precision.

The team has only a mathematical chance of making the play-offs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Paulino’s team used mathematical models from origami design to program these motions. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026

By mathematical measures, that figure may overestimate some people's preparedness. —Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026

The lunar sphere of influence is a mathematical boundary that signifies the Artemis crew is in the moon’s vicinity. —Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026

Cats had a mathematical though miniscule chance at a wild card spot before this; no more. —Greg Cote april 5, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mathematicalle, from Latin mathematicus, from Greek mathēmatikos, from mathēmat-, mathēma learning, mathematics, from manthanein to learn; probably akin to Goth mundon to pay attention

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mathematical

• mathematical expectation
• mathematical induction
• mathematical logic

Rhymes for mathematical

• emblematical
• enigmatical
• kinematical
• problematical
• ungrammatical
• dogmatical
• fanatical
• grammatical
• sabbatical
• statical

Kids Definition

mathematical

adjective

math·​e·​mat·​i·​cal ˌmath-ə-ˈmat-i-kəl 

math-ˈmat-

1

: of, relating to, or according with mathematics

2

: very exact

mathematical precision

mathematically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb