mathematics

noun

math·​e·​mat·​ics ˌmath-ˈma-tiks How to pronounce mathematics (audio)
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

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
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.
After growing up in Colorado, Ayers earned a mathematics degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, according to her NASA bio. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025 In 2013 Nathaniel Johnston, now a mathematics professor at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, landed on a fandom page. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 3 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for mathematics

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mathematics was in 1573

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Cite this Entry

“Mathematics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mathematics. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

mathematics

noun
math·​e·​mat·​ics ˌmath-ə-ˈmat-iks How to pronounce mathematics (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on mathematics

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