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 of numeral

Noun

• digit
• number

Examples of numeral in a Sentence

Noun

a birthday candle in the shape of the numeral 4

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The numerals also conform to the 1908 style, with 3 and 9 o’clock Arabic numerals instead of stick indexes like those on the 8171. — Carol Besler, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026

The league, titled after the Roman numerals for 54 and offering a $54 million bonus if anyone ever shot 54, has nothing left tied to the number. — Brody Miller, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Adjective

There’s a special place in Professor Gordon Murray‘s heart for the numeral 47. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2026

Japan’s government debt crossed one quadrillion yen in 2013, demonstrating how little a large numeral reveals without its currency and context. — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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)