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.
The question Price solved—or prompted ChatGPT to solve—concerns special sets of whole numbers, where no number in the set can be evenly divided by any other. Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026 With the whole number of the House now at 430, 216 votes are needed for a simple majority. Lauren Peller, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 All projections are rounded to the nearest whole number. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026 Gut health is complex, and can change with age, shifts in lifestyle, and a whole number of other factors. Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 11 Apr. 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 26 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

whole number

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

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