numerology

noun

nu·​mer·​ol·​o·​gy ˌnü-mə-ˈrä-lə-jē How to pronounce numerology (audio)
ˌnyü-
: the study of the occult significance of numbers
numerological adjective
numerologist noun

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As an element of astrology and fortune-telling, numerology has long been employed to predict future events. For many early Christians, 3 represented the Trinity, 6 represented earthly perfection, and 7 represented heavenly perfection; and still today, many of us like to group things into sets of 3 or 7, for no particular reason. Numerology has also been used to interpret personality; in particular, numerologists may assign numbers to each letter of a person's name and use the resulting figures, along with the person's date of birth, as a guide to his or her character.

Examples of numerology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In numerology, patterns always come in sets of three's. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 According to numerology, the number 1 represents new beginnings, and 2 denotes cooperation. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024 Wang says in numerology, the number four is about creating something concrete or practical in their lives. Lian Brooks, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2024 To that end, Bach often pursued esoteric symbolism and numerology, with vocal lines crossing in the music when Christ is mentioned, and the like. Jan Swafford, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for numerology 

Word History

Etymology

Latin numerus number entry 1+ -o- + -logy

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerology was circa 1907

Dictionary Entries Near numerology

Cite this Entry

“Numerology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerology. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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