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whole number

noun

: 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.
Cantor has already challenged what seems like common sense with infinite sets of whole numbers. Big Think, 25 Nov. 2025 The set of whole numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, …), for instance, is the same size as the set of all fractions, but smaller than the set of all real numbers. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 21 Nov. 2025 Section 2 of the Fourteenth Amendment requires 'counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed' for purposes of reapportioning the House. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025 To comply with that restriction, the size of the General Assembly would be determined by a formula that divides the state’s federal census population by 215,000 and would reduce the result to the nearest odd whole number. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025 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 2 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

whole number

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

More from Merriam-Webster on whole number

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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