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.
Earthquakes are measured by magnitude on a logarithmic scale — so each whole number increase translates to 32 times more energy released by the quake. Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 27 June 2026 The trick is to choose some number c² so that there are a whole bunch of pairs of whole numbers a and b such that a² + b² = c². ArsTechnica, 1 June 2026 All projections are rounded to the nearest whole number. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 27 May 2026 Earnings are rounded to the nearest whole number. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 May 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 28 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

whole number

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

More from Merriam-Webster on whole number

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster