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 of mathematics

• math
• arithmetic
• calculation

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

For me, Gödel’s theorems do not show that mathematics is limited, but rather that mathematics is much wider and more powerful than Hilbert’s finitistic view. —Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2026

Scroggin was a represented of Ward 3 on the council from 2018 to 2022 and service as a mathematics instructor at the University of Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. —Mark Price may 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026

Simons was a mathematics professor and Cold War codebreaker. —Alexander Foster, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Those honored from ZIP code 92128 were Allison Lee, a healthcare management major; and Serena Shu, a mathematics major. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

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