theorem

noun

the·​o·​rem ˈthē-ə-rəm How to pronounce theorem (audio)
ˈthir-əm
Synonyms of theoremnext
1
: a formula, proposition, or statement in mathematics or logic deduced or to be deduced from other formulas or propositions
2
: an idea accepted or proposed as a demonstrable truth often as a part of a general theory : proposition
the theorem that the best defense is offense
3
: stencil
4
: a painting produced especially on velvet by the use of stencils for each color
theorematic
ˌthē-ə-rə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce theorem (audio)
ˌthir-ə-
adjective

Examples of theorem 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 the end, the group derived a collection of complex lemmas, or intermediate steps in a theorem, that, together with the categories, used proof by contradiction to find no matching paths. — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025 Turing’s proof of the theorem is scrawled over two sheets. — IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2025 So somebody might try to construct a mathematical theorem and then hundreds or even thousands of years later, somebody else finishes it off. — Lynette Rice, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025 Pythagoras' theorem is famously brief and everybody can understand it. — Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for theorem

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin theorema, from Greek theōrēma, from theōrein to look at, from theōros spectator, from thea act of seeing — more at theater entry 1

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorem was in 1551

Phrases Containing theorem

Rhymes for theorem

See All Rhymes for theorem

Browse Nearby Words

the order of the day
theorem
theorem of Pythagoras
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Theorem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorem. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

theorem

noun
the·​o·​rem ˈthē-ə-rəm How to pronounce theorem (audio)
ˈthi(-ə)r-əm
1
: a formula, proposition, or statement in mathematics or logic that has been or is to be proved from other formulas or propositions
2
: an idea accepted or proposed as a demonstrable truth

More from Merriam-Webster on theorem

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for theorem

Nglish: Translation of theorem for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about theorem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular

See More

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
kestrel
Name That Bird Quiz Are you as wise as an owl or just another birdbrain?
See All