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 Naturally, the common denominator is the legendary producer Norman Lear, who is being honored by the The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York with a special exhibit celebrating Lear’s legacy in comedy and civic engagement. Marc Berman, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Universal language to narrow that gap is missing, so Walmart, in collaboration with the Burning Glass Institute, earlier this year convened a working group of human resources professionals from various companies to create a common denominator. Worth Sparkman, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 The common denominator of all these symptoms is that the patient notices something unusual. Ashley Abramson, Allure, 17 Oct. 2024 This was normal discourse, and the pants were the common denominator. Jay Stowe, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for common denominator 

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 31 Oct. 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!