Roman numeral

noun

: a numeral in a system of notation that is based on the ancient Roman system see Table of Numbers

Examples of Roman numeral in a Sentence

In Roman numerals “X” is equal to the number 10.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Roman numeral was circa 1638

Dictionary Entries Near Roman numeral

Roman nose

Roman numeral

Romano

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Roman numeral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Roman%20numeral. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

Roman numeral

noun
: a numeral in a system of numbers based on the ancient Roman system see number

More from Merriam-Webster on Roman numeral

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Roman numeral

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 All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

9 Superb Owl Words

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different
See All

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
little chihuahua dressing like a turkey for thanksgiving
Is That Gratitude or Attitude? A Thanksgiving Quiz Decide which words express gratitude and which gi...