number cruncher

1 of 2

noun (1)

1

: a computer that performs fast numerical calculations especially on large amounts of data

2

: a person concerned with numerical data (such as statistics)

number crunching noun

number crunching

2 of 2

noun (2)

: the performance of long complex often repetitive mathematical calculations

also : statistical analysis

number crunch verb

Examples of number cruncher in a Sentence

Noun (1)

The number crunchers in Washington are expecting a budget surplus by the fall.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Government number crunchers were temporarily idled in October, so were unable to collect housing prices that month. —Scott Horsley, NPR, 12 May 2026

Scientists are philosophers, explorers, data collectors and number crunchers. —Adam Meyer, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2026

Reggio believes that by 2026, the industry will be defined by the transition of finance teams from tactical number crunchers to strategic architects. —Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

In one projection, Diamond’s number crunchers estimated that total linear TV revenue would decline 19% in 2025 from $2.17 billion to $1.75 billion, while this year’s take was expected to fall to $1.65 billion. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for number cruncher

• puncher

Kids Definition

number cruncher

noun

number crunch·​er

-ˈkrən-chər

1

: a computer that performs fast numerical calculations especially on large amounts of data

2

: a person concerned with complex numerical data

number crunching noun