odd number
noun
: a whole number that is not able to be divided by two into two equal whole numbers
The numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7 are odd numbers.
Examples of odd number in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The notices are required by both state law and the federal National Voter Registration Act, which requires county clerks to maintain accurate voter records and confirm voters in odd number years.
—
Arkansas Online, 20 Aug. 2025
To address the structure of the legislature, the proposal would tie the size of the General Assembly to the state’s population as determined by the decennial census, with one state Senate seat per 215,000 residents, rounded down to the nearest odd number.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
The odd number of hot dogs sparked debate on the internet.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Unlike most cruise ships that have odd number staterooms on one side of the ship and even numbers on the other, Virgin has an A side and a Z side.
—Lois Alter Mark, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
But dogs are happiest on their own, stepping on their water bowls,
staring up at the mystery of a closed door,
walking from room to room
before making three circles
like the odd number of flowers in a vase.
—Billy Collins, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Will the winning horse have an odd number or an even number?
☐ Odd
☐ Even
13.
—Vik Chokshi, New York Times, 2 May 2025
At a basic level, the odd number creates an inherent imbalance, Barbie Atkinson, LPC, founder of Catalyst Counseling in Houston, tells SELF.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Mar. 2025
This means incorporating elements like an odd number of bar stools and a variety of table types.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
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.
Arkansas Online, 20 Aug. 2025
To address the structure of the legislature, the proposal would tie the size of the General Assembly to the state’s population as determined by the decennial census, with one state Senate seat per 215,000 residents, rounded down to the nearest odd number.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
The odd number of hot dogs sparked debate on the internet.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Unlike most cruise ships that have odd number staterooms on one side of the ship and even numbers on the other, Virgin has an A side and a Z side.
—Lois Alter Mark, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
But dogs are happiest on their own, stepping on their water bowls,
staring up at the mystery of a closed door,
walking from room to room
before making three circles
like the odd number of flowers in a vase.
—Billy Collins, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Will the winning horse have an odd number or an even number?
☐ Odd
☐ Even
13.
—Vik Chokshi, New York Times, 2 May 2025
At a basic level, the odd number creates an inherent imbalance, Barbie Atkinson, LPC, founder of Catalyst Counseling in Houston, tells SELF.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Mar. 2025
This means incorporating elements like an odd number of bar stools and a variety of table types.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Odd number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/odd%20number. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share