whole number

noun

Synonyms of whole numbernext
: any of the set of nonnegative integers
also : integer

Examples of whole number in a Sentence

since percentages have been rounded off to whole numbers, the total will not be exactly equal to 100%
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.
All projections are rounded to the nearest whole number. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026 During the Hartford run, new songs were tested, the order of songs were changed, songs and scenes were cut or trimmed and whole numbers were rethought and restaged. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026 Be sure to measure the entire flooring area and get a whole number in square feet. Dan Simms, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026 Number theorists have particularly sought special points on a curve with coordinates on an x-y grid that are either whole numbers or fractions. Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whole number

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whole number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20number. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

whole number

noun
: any of the set of nonnegative integers
also : integer

More from Merriam-Webster on whole number

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