numeral

1 of 2

noun

nu·​mer·​al ˈnü-mə-rəl How to pronounce numeral (audio)
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

Examples of numeral in a Sentence

Noun a birthday candle in the shape of the numeral 4
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Various aesthetic details celebrate the maison’s equestrian heritage, including the Arabic numerals of the hours-minutes display, which are inclined to evoke a galloping horse, and, at 6 o’clock, minute repeater hammers sculpted in the shape of horses. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024 There were also Roman numerals written in charcoal, likely notes made by the construction workers, according to the ministry statement. Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 26 Mar. 2024 The slate-gray dial showcases a striking ombré effect, classic Roman numerals as hour markers, and day/date indicators. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 The best actor nominee for Rustin accessorized his look with a monogram bowtie that centered a Louis Vuitton brooch, plus a classic dress watch from Omega, the 40mm De Ville Prestige timepiece in stainless steel featuring a black dial and alternating Roman numerals. Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 The display is distinguished by gold hands, as well as alternating Roman numerals and cabochon indexes. Anna Tingley, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 The dials are contrasted with a bold orange sweeping seconds hand, and luminescent oversized Arabic numerals, some larger than others. Carol Besler, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Teriyaki beef jerky Roman numerals completed the melting clock pastiche, which Amore affectionately called Salvador Deli. The Indianapolis Star, 27 Feb. 2024 How to read Roman numerals Roman numerals use letters of the alphabet and used in combination the higher the number. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024
Adjective
And somebody once scratched Western numeral translations all over the device. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024 However, the numeral one on the dial has also been rendered in pink to emphasize the watch’s one-of-a-kind status. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2024 The dial has a unique numeral 1, rendered in pink, as this is a one-of-a-kind piece for the breast cancer cause. Carol Besler, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 There was a numeral at the start of most lines that seemed to indicate the number of words, and each sheet had what appeared to be the time of day written at the top. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 30 Jan. 2024 Morse code, the new international communication system invented in the 1830s, uses the same structure of the opening notes of Symphony No. 5 — dot-dot-dot-DASH — to represent the letter V, which is also the Roman numeral 5. Kerry J. Byrne Fox News, Fox News, 22 Dec. 2023 Leading up to Saturday, not even the most bullish free-agent predictions dared to forecast Ohtani’s contract starting with the numeral seven. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2023 The model showcases day and date windows and timeless Roman numeral hour markers. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2023 Angel numbers are repeating number sequences often used as guides for deeper spiritual exploration with each numeral having its own significance. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'numeral.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of numeral was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near numeral

Cite this Entry

“Numeral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numeral. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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)

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