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

Large Arabic numerals seem to float between the sapphire crystal and the movement, standing out with white Super-LumiNova for added visibility. —Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Rear numeral is inscribed in 9/10 black sharpie to Raiders tight end Foster Moreau, reading, ‘To 87, Keep being a beast on the field & even better guy off of it! —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2025

Adjective

The plan is to build 16 examples of each version (The numeral 16 being Steve McQueen’s race number at Sebring). —Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025

Even in the sciences and especially in mathematics, India was indispensable; the ten-digit numeral system spread west from there through the Middle East to Europe. —Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for numeral

• humeral
• humoral
• glenohumeral

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)