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

Let The Athletic explore the numerical ingredients that shaped it. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026

The answer begins with understanding a trade chart — a diagram that assigns a numerical value to every pick in the draft. —Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026

Printed on one of the sheets was his A-number, short for alien registration number—a unique numerical code assigned to non-citizen immigrants, including undocumented border crossers and green-card holders. —Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026

Solving a problem on a computer always boils down to transforming numerical inputs, usually written as strings of 0s and 1s, into outputs. —Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 17 Feb. 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