numerate

1 of 2

adjective

nu·​mer·​ate ˈnü-mə-rət How to pronounce numerate (audio)
ˈnüm-rə-;
ˈnyü-mə-,
ˈnyüm-rə-
: having the ability to understand and work with numbers
The collectors themselves were recruited locally and often barely numerate. They could be sent to prison if they failed to collect the prescribed amount.Graham Robb
… more than five million Americans have some form of classroom business training. They make up an affluent cohort that is numerate as well as literate and looks to books on business for fun, profit, and instruction.Christopher Knowlton

numerate

2 of 2

verb

nu·​mer·​ate ˈnü-mə-ˌrāt How to pronounce numerate (audio)
ˈnyü-
numerated; numerating

Examples of numerate in a Sentence

Verb numerate the dish's ingredients for me I don't have the time to numerate all the reasons, so I'll offer just a few.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The rivalry between Peretti—goofy, numerate, American, straight—and Gawker founder Nick Denton—brash, anti-elitist, English, gay—lies at the heart of Traffic. Aaron Timms, The New Republic, 18 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'numerate.' 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

Adjective

Latin numerus number entry 1 + -ate entry 3 (after literate entry 1)

Verb

borrowed from Latin numerātus, past participle of numerāre "to count, number entry 2"

First Known Use

Adjective

1959, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerate was in 1657

Dictionary Entries Near numerate

Cite this Entry

“Numerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

numerate

verb
nu·​mer·​ate ˈn(y)ü-mə-ˌrāt How to pronounce numerate (audio)
numerated; numerating

More from Merriam-Webster on numerate

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