numeral

1 of 2

noun

nu·​mer·​al ˈnü-mə-rəl 

ˈnüm-rə-;

ˈnyü-mə-,

ˈnyüm-rə-

plural numerals

1

: a conventional symbol that represents a number

The numeral 46 represents the number forty-six.

Such numbers, about 4,000 of them, hereafter are preceded by the numeral 3.

—Colin Ainsworth

see also arabic numeral, roman numeral

2

numerals plural : numbers that designate by year a school or college class and that are awarded for distinction in an extracurricular activity

He won numerals in football, swimming and track his first year when freshman were not eligible for varsity sports under NCAA rules.

—Roger Cushman

numeral

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or expressing numbers

binary numeral systems

2

: consisting of numbers or numerals

numeral passwords

numerally adverb

… a numerally small but critically placed corps of military vassals.

—Cornelius J. Kiley

Synonyms

Noun

• digit
• figure
• integer
• number
• numeric
• whole number

Examples of numeral in a Sentence

Noun

a birthday candle in the shape of the numeral 4

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

It was followed a year later at the same sale by a lacquered turquoise Stella dial model with Arabic numerals and a brown leather strap, which sold in 2021 for HKD 24,375,000 (approximately $3,138,562 according to exchange rates at the time). —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025

Morse code is a system for representing letters, numerals, and punctuation marks using dots, dashes and spaces, first invented by American Samuel F B Morse in the 1800s, according to Britannica. —Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025

Adjective

What’s more, the color of each numeral track has been precision-engineered to match their alligator straps: dark green for the yellow gold, dark gray for the rose gold, and burgundy for the platinum version. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025

Pearly white face is adorned with a golden Roman numeral dial for a classic look. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of numeral entry 2

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin numerālis, from Latin numerus number entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing numeral

• Arabic numeral
• Roman numeral

Rhymes for numeral

• humeral
• humoral
• glenohumeral

Kids Definition

numeral

noun

nu·​mer·​al

ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəl

1

: a symbol or group of symbols representing a number

2

plural : numbers that designate by year a school or college class and that are awarded for distinction (as in sports)