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equal sign
noun
: a sign = indicating mathematical or logical equivalence
called also equality sign, equals sign
Examples of equal sign in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In math, whenever a student drew a line in an equals sign, a minus sign, or a division sign, she was required to use a ruler.
—Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 26 June 2023
Is there more to mathematics than the equal sign?
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 22 Mar. 2023
That's why the less-than-or-equal sign is there.
—Rhett Allain, Wired, 21 Oct. 2020
For obligatory purchases like gas and groceries, add an equal sign.
—cleveland, 30 Apr. 2022
The new album's cover features a black equal sign atop an abstract painting created by Sheeran, as well as several butterflies that symbolize new life.
—Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, 19 Aug. 2021
Andre Rochester painted a scales of justice, an equal sign and people of different races.
—Susan Dunne, courant.com, 13 Nov. 2020
But there is a growing community of mathematicians who regard the equal sign as math’s original error.
—Wired, 13 Oct. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'equal sign.' 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
circa 1909, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near equal sign
Cite this Entry
“Equal sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equal%20sign. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
equal sign
noun
: a sign = meaning mathematical or logical equality
called also equality sign, equals sign
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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