common denominator

noun

1
: a common multiple of the denominators of a number of fractions
2
: a common trait or theme

Examples of common denominator in a Sentence

Drugs seem to be the common denominator in these crimes.
Recent Examples on the Web Like lidar, the Nvidia Orin X chip for processing all the information is a common denominator. Mark Andrews, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2024 The common denominator appeared to be guilt by association. Anand Gopal, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 And while the formats vary, the common denominator centers on foregrounding the intersectionality of their identities as 21st century visual creators. Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024 The common denominator is the gun, often an assault rifle the founding fathers could never have imagined in the day of the musket when the Second Amendment was written. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2024 The common denominator that made particular designs, designers and their teams resonate with me was to be found in their characters, obsessions and approaches to creativity. Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2024 The common denominator is too many cooks in the kitchen, not enough clarity around inputs/outputs/roles/resources and a lack of willingness to fail fast. Geneva Schlabach, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 So yeah, there were a few common denominators for me. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 4 May 2023 Fei-Fei Li reminds all of us that the common denominator of AI, both in its risks and opportunities, is in how technology can respect people’s dignity. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'common denominator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of common denominator was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near common denominator

Cite this Entry

“Common denominator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20denominator. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

common denominator

noun
: a number or expression that is a multiple of each of the denominators in a set of fractions
12 is a common denominator of ¼ and ⅓

More from Merriam-Webster on common denominator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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