mathematics

noun, plural in form but usually singular in construction

math·e·mat·ics | \ ˌmath-ˈma-tiks

, ˌma-thə-\

Definition of mathematics

1 : the science of numbers and their operations (see operation sense 5), interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions and of space (see space entry 1 sense 7) configurations and their structure, measurement, transformations, and generalizations Algebra, arithmetic, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry are branches of mathematics.

2 : a branch of, operation in, or use of mathematics the mathematics of physical chemistry

Examples of mathematics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There must be hundreds of books trying to explain quantum physics to thoughtful readers who know little if anything about physics or the relevant mathematics. — N. David Mermin, WSJ, "‘Beyond Weird’ Review: Choosing Words Carefully," 8 Feb. 2019 The two regions are also among the few in the United States that boast more workers employed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics occupations than Seattle. — Matt Day, The Seattle Times, "Amazon shifts its sights to the East Coast," 13 Nov. 2018 The groom’s mother is a mathematics teacher at South Middle School in Brockton. — New York Times, "Jennifer DeAngelis, Patrick Rodenbush," 10 June 2018 Colleges, Bender noted, are a good resource for owners who want staffers with science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills. — Joyce M. Rosenberg, USA TODAY, "More small businesses seek to expand opportunities for disabled workers," 1 June 2018 The current head of the school, Candice Bobo, did not respond to calls and emails, but according to the school’s 2011-2012 annual report, a man named Robert Leach was listed as a mathematics teacher in the middle school. — Lori Aratani, Washington Post, "Former D.C. charter school teacher arrested on child sex abuse charges," 6 Jan. 2018 Life as a homeschooling family Colleen Boehm and her children Ellie, 12, and Nick, 9, gather at the kitchen table to work on age-appropriate mathematics studies at their Sussex home. — Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The reasons for homeschooling are varied. Even within the same family.," 5 Apr. 2018 His ceramics reflect his early studies of engineering, mathematics and philosophy. — Ana Gershanik, NOLA.com, "Carnival season celebrates art of Latin America in New Orleans," 17 Jan. 2018 Beginning in 2016, graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields were allowed to extend their stays by an additional 24 months, making the program even more attractive to foreign students. — Melissa Korn, WSJ, "Program Allowing Foreign Students to Work in U.S. Has Grown Rapidly," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mathematics.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.