mathematics

noun

math·​e·​mat·​ics ˌmath-ˈma-tiks 

ˌma-thə-

plural in form but usually singular in construction

1

: the science of numbers and their operations (see operation sense 5), interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions and of space (see space entry 1 sense 7) configurations and their structure, measurement, transformations, and generalizations

Algebra, arithmetic, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry are branches of mathematics.

2

: a branch of, operation in, or use of mathematics

the mathematics of physical chemistry

Synonyms

• arithmetic
• calculation
• calculus
• ciphering
• computation
• figures
• figuring
• math
• number crunching
• numbers
• reckoning

Examples of mathematics in a Sentence

I can't do the mathematics in my head, so I'll need a pen and paper

Recent Examples on the Web

In the Season 3 premiere, Leighton discovers that the high-level mathematics class she was set to take is canceled due to a lack of participants. —Rachel Seo, Variety, 2 Dec. 2024

Chan, a mathematics student based in Australia at the time, said he was frustrated by the lack of a good handwriting app on the tablet. —Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 2 Nov. 2024

Her father, Robert, was a doctor, and her mother, Ruah, a mathematics teacher. —Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024

She is listed as a mathematics instructor in the staff directory published online by the Barrow County School District. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mathematics

noun

math·​e·​mat·​ics ˌmath-ə-ˈmat-iks 

math-ˈmat-

: the science that is concerned with numbers and their properties, relations, and operations and with shapes in space and their structure and measurement