mathematics

noun

math·​e·​mat·​ics ˌmath-ˈma-tiks 

ˌma-thə-

plural in form but usually singular in construction

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

Synonyms

• arithmetic
• calculation
• calculus
• ciphering
• computation
• figures
• figuring
• math
• number crunching
• numbers
• reckoning

Examples of mathematics in a Sentence

I can't do the mathematics in my head, so I'll need a pen and paper

Recent Examples on the Web

She’s also worn Keds shoes for more than 40 years as a mathematics teacher, and now, in her second career, helping care for my adorable niece, who was born with cystic fibrosis. —Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 2 June 2025

How to Land These High-Paying Wall Street Jobs For aspiring hedge fund managers, a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or mathematics is key. —Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025

The series mirrors the sequence of Sheeran’s first five albums, which fit a mathematics theme: + (2011), x (2014), ÷ (2017), = (2021) and – (2023). —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Apr. 2025

After growing up in Colorado, Ayers earned a mathematics degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, according to her NASA bio. —Julian Dossett, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mathematics

• acrobatics
• aromatics
• automatics
• hydrostatics
• informatics
• kinematics
• numismatics
• problematics
• systematics
• telematics
• attics
• mattocks

Kids Definition

mathematics

noun

math·​e·​mat·​ics ˌmath-ə-ˈmat-iks 

math-ˈmat-

: the science that is concerned with numbers and their properties, relations, and operations and with shapes in space and their structure and measurement