numerology

noun

nu·​mer·​ol·​o·​gy ˌnü-mə-ˈrä-lə-jē How to pronounce numerology (audio)
ˌnyü-
: the study of the occult significance of numbers
numerological adjective
numerologist noun

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As an element of astrology and fortune-telling, numerology has long been employed to predict future events. For many early Christians, 3 represented the Trinity, 6 represented earthly perfection, and 7 represented heavenly perfection; and still today, many of us like to group things into sets of 3 or 7, for no particular reason. Numerology has also been used to interpret personality; in particular, numerologists may assign numbers to each letter of a person's name and use the resulting figures, along with the person's date of birth, as a guide to his or her character.

Examples of numerology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Hebrew numerology chai means life and equals 18, so two chai by his math is $36 million. Tom Dotan, Vanity Fair, 23 Feb. 2026 This isn’t just wishful thinking or aligning myself with numerology’s prediction that 2026 will be a year of massive reset—a McKinsey & Company report on wellness in 2024 evaluated the industry at $480 billion in the US alone, growing 5% to 10% per year. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026 In numerology, for instance, 2026 is a 1 Year, the beginning of a brand-new nine-year cycle. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026 According to numerology, the year 2026 is a universal 1 year. Hannah Madlener, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for numerology

Word History

Etymology

Latin numerus number entry 1 + -o- + -logy

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerology was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Numerology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerology. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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