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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 its simplest forms, two parallel horizontal lines of equal length (like an equal sign) are placed between two lines that are nearly vertical but converge slightly near the top.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2024
An equal sign between two squares means the two must be the same, and an X between them requires the symbols to be opposites.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2024
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
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
1854, 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 2 Nov. 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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