numeral

1 of 2

noun

nu·​mer·​al ˈnü-mə-rəl 

ˈnüm-rə-;

ˈnyü-mə-,

ˈnyüm-rə-

plural numerals

1

: a conventional symbol that represents a number

The numeral 46 represents the number forty-six.

Such numbers, about 4,000 of them, hereafter are preceded by the numeral 3.

—Colin Ainsworth

see also arabic numeral, roman numeral

2

numerals plural : numbers that designate by year a school or college class and that are awarded for distinction in an extracurricular activity

He won numerals in football, swimming and track his first year when freshman were not eligible for varsity sports under NCAA rules.

—Roger Cushman

numeral

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or expressing numbers

binary numeral systems

2

: consisting of numbers or numerals

numeral passwords

numerally adverb

… a numerally small but critically placed corps of military vassals.

—Cornelius J. Kiley

Synonyms

Noun

• digit
• figure
• integer
• number
• numeric
• whole number

Examples of numeral in a Sentence

Noun

a birthday candle in the shape of the numeral 4

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The color pairs with the white guilloché dial that hosts black Roman numerals and a set of Breguet hands. —Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025

Unveiled in February 2024, the numerals feature colorful artwork by Tahj Williams of the Black Masking Indian tribe. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025

Adjective

For nearly 30 years, the 11-team conference disguised itself as the Big Ten, with a pair of numeral 1s strategically placed inside its logo. —Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

In addition, this same basic pattern—of activating different neurons for, say, the numeral 3 as opposed to three dots—applies to other numbers studied to date. —Michaela Maya-Mrschtik, Scientific American, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of numeral entry 2

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin numerālis, from Latin numerus number entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing numeral

• Arabic numeral
• Roman numeral

Kids Definition

numeral

noun

nu·​mer·​al

ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəl

1

: a symbol or group of symbols representing a number

2

plural : numbers that designate by year a school or college class and that are awarded for distinction (as in sports)