theorem

noun

the·​o·​rem ˈthē-ə-rəm 

ˈthir-əm

1

: a formula, proposition, or statement in mathematics or logic deduced or to be deduced from other formulas or propositions

2

: an idea accepted or proposed as a demonstrable truth often as a part of a general theory : proposition

the theorem that the best defense is offense

3

: stencil

4

: a painting produced especially on velvet by the use of stencils for each color

theorematic

ˌthē-ə-rə-ˈma-tik 

ˌthir-ə-

adjective

Examples of theorem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Understanding, Duminil-Copin argued, is not gained solely through theorems and proofs but also through setbacks. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026

The authors of the current study took a different route, examining whether the theorem could survive when the mathematical description of probability changed. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

After nearly a decade of work, Thorup, Thomassen, and four colleagues in Denmark, Canada, and Japan have produced yet another computer proof of the theorem. — Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

Sparky interpreted the drawing, prompted him to use the Pythagorean theorem, and then asked him to form the appropriate ratio. — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin theorema, from Greek theōrēma, from theōrein to look at, from theōros spectator, from thea act of seeing — more at theater entry 1

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing theorem

• Bayes's theorem
• Bayes theorem
• binomial theorem
• central limit theorem
• DeMoivre's theorem
• Fermat's last theorem
• Fourier's theorem
• Godel's theorem
• Jordan curve theorem
• mean value theorem
• Pythagorean theorem
• remainder theorem
• Rolle's theorem

Rhymes for theorem

• serum

Kids Definition

theorem

noun

the·​o·​rem ˈthē-ə-rəm 

ˈthi(-ə)r-əm

1

: a formula, proposition, or statement in mathematics or logic that has been or is to be proved from other formulas or propositions

2

: an idea accepted or proposed as a demonstrable truth