subtraction

noun

sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce subtraction (audio)
: an act, operation, or instance of subtracting: such as
a
: the withdrawing or withholding of a right to which an individual is entitled
b
: the operation of deducting one number from another

Examples of subtraction in a Sentence

The children are learning addition and subtraction. the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order
Recent Examples on the Web Maserati knows there really is such a thing as addition by subtraction. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 The difference between the two calculations is quite simple: Absolute risk reduction is a matter of subtraction—the percentage point drop in risk of a disease between an untreated and treated group. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 4 Dec. 2023 The kit is designed to work with tablets or mobile phones and helps children quickly master counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by identifying sequences, patterns, and more. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 29 Oct. 2023 Notable subtractions: Jimmy Phillips Jr. (graduation), Isaac Slade-Matautia (graduation), Shanon Reid (graduation), Pierre Goree (transfer) Sports Roundup Get the latest D-FW sports news, analysis, scores and more. Joseph Hoyt, Dallas News, 22 Aug. 2023 Notable subtractions: Jaylon Thomas (graduation), Owen Condon (graduation), Joe Bissinger (graduation) Texas College Sports Get the latest college sports news, scores and analysis. Joseph Hoyt, Dallas News, 11 Aug. 2023 In elementary school, students may have trouble with math functions like addition and subtraction, word problems, counting money, or remembering directions. Jackie Mader, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Oct. 2023 James, 11, couldn’t do two-digit subtraction last week. Ariel Gilreath, al, 29 Aug. 2023 Some of that purity of feeling is the result of addition through subtraction: Power-sapping elements including a hydraulic clutch and rear-axle steering were ditched, which also enabled the battery to be downsized for even more weight savings. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2023

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

Middle English subtraccion, from Anglo-French sustraction, subtraction, from Late Latin subtraction-, subtractio, from Latin subtrahere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtraction was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near subtraction

Cite this Entry

“Subtraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtraction. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

subtraction

noun
sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce subtraction (audio)
1
: an act or instance of subtracting
2
: the operation of deducting one number from another

More from Merriam-Webster on subtraction

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