numerical

adjective

nu·​mer·​i·​cal nu̇-ˈmer-i-kəl 

nyu̇-

1

: of or relating to numbers

the numerical superiority of the enemy

2

: expressed in or involving numbers or a number system

numerical standing in a class

a numerical code

numerically

nu̇-ˈmer-i-k(ə-)lē 

nyu̇-

adverb

Examples of numerical in a Sentence

The files are organized according to a numerical system.

The files are in numerical order.

Recent Examples on the Web

Each respondent provides a numerical response on this scale, referred to as the Cantril Ladder. —Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026

The bank’s analysis is based on numerical research and BMO bankers’ insights from meetings in the state, and is intended mainly for an audience of Texas business executives. —Trevor Bach, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026

When there’s no numerical advantage, there should be zero risk. —Arpon Basu, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026

The software repeatedly performed complex numerical operations to generate the digits of pi. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin numerus number entry 1 + -ical

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing numerical

• numerical analysis
• numerical taxonomy

Rhymes for numerical

• chimerical
• hysterical
• anticlerical
• hemispherical
• clerical
• spherical

Kids Definition

numerical

adjective

nu·​mer·​i·​cal n(y)u̇-ˈmer-i-kəl 

1

: of or relating to numbers

2

: shown in or involving numbers or a number system

numerical order

numerically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb