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 Angel numbers are rooted in numerology, which dates back to ancient times, astrologer and bestselling author Lisa Stardust tells PEOPLE. Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 The hints had been building, but a major indication was that the date was 8/9 — and Swift loves using numerology to drop clues about her work. Emily Yahr, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2023 In numerology, angel numbers are a repetitive sequence of three or four numbers that appear in seemingly random places in your life to convey a spiritual or divine message. Jamie Ballard, Woman's Day, 2 May 2022 In numerology, 4 represents foundation, structure and responsibility. Alexandra E. Petri, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2023 And she's got good reason to believe in numerology: besides her birthdate, Swift has noted how her first album went gold in 13 weeks and her first No. 1 song had a 13-second introduction. Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 13 Dec. 2023 Using numerology, tarot and astrology, each candle is personalized to the receiver, down to a signature scent. Cailey Lindberg, Good Housekeeping, 25 Aug. 2023 Practitioners of astrology and numerology often express that there are no coincidences. Naydeline Mejia, Women's Health, 7 Aug. 2023 Grace’s company has been selected as one of the top 30 numerology blogs. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023

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

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

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerology was circa 1907

Dictionary Entries Near numerology

Cite this Entry

“Numerology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerology. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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