1
: increasing or becoming better or worse over time through a series of additions
the cumulative effect(s) of smoking on the body [=the effect(s) produced by smoking over a long period of time]
2
: including or adding together all of the things that came before
Their cumulative [=total, overall] scores will determine the winner.
Cite this Entry
“Cumulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/cumulative. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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