subtraction

noun

sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce subtraction (audio)
: an act, operation, or instance of subtracting: such as
a
: the withdrawing or withholding of a right to which an individual is entitled
b
: the operation of deducting one number from another

Examples of subtraction in a Sentence

The children are learning addition and subtraction. the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order
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.
To compensate for the active roster subtractions, the Browns have signed wide receiver Kaden Davis, defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour, and safety Christopher Edmonds off the practice squad. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 Otherwise, there isn’t a ton of buzz about the Baltimore Ravens’ pending roster subtractions heading into this year’s cutdown day. Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024 For his part, Ware has embraced the opportunity, a case where the trade of Bryant proved to be addition by subtraction. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2025 Cocker’s lessons covered addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as calculation with pre-decimal British currency and a gentle introduction to 17th-century England’s bamboozling array of weights and measures. James Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subtraction 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subtraccion, from Anglo-French sustraction, subtraction, from Late Latin subtraction-, subtractio, from Latin subtrahere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtraction was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near subtraction

Cite this Entry

“Subtraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtraction. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

subtraction

noun
sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce subtraction (audio)
1
: an act or instance of subtracting
2
: the operation of deducting one number from another

More from Merriam-Webster on subtraction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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