nu·mer·al
ˈnü-mə-rəl 
ˈnüm-rə-;
ˈnyü-mə-,
ˈnyüm-rə-
plural numerals
1
: a conventional symbol that represents a number
The numeral 46 represents the number forty-six.
Such numbers, about 4,000 of them, hereafter are preceded by the numeral 3.—
Colin Ainsworth
see also arabic numeral, roman numeral
Colin Ainsworth2
numerals plural
: numbers that designate by year a school or college class and that are awarded for distinction in an extracurricular activity
He won numerals in football, swimming and track his first year when freshman were not eligible for varsity sports under NCAA rules.—Roger Cushman
Roger Cushman1
: of, relating to, or expressing numbers
binary numeral systems
2
: consisting of numbers or numerals
numeral passwords
numerally
adverb
… a numerally small but critically placed corps of military vassals.
—Cornelius J. Kiley
Cornelius J. Kiley
Synonyms
Examples of numeral in a Sentence
Noun
a birthday candle in the shape of the numeral 4
Recent Examples on the Web
Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Photo : Panerai, Getty Hugh Grant: Panerai Luminor Base
Hugh-Hugh Grant was totally on brand this week when he was seen watching an Italian soccer match in Como wearing a Panerai Luminor Base with a black sandwich dial, large Arabic numerals, and crown guard.
—Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2024
Michaela Maya-Mrschtik, Scientific American, 21 Oct. 2024
But the distinction between an empty set and numeral may be especially important when considering zero.
—Michaela Maya-Mrschtik, Scientific American, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for numeral 
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.
Noun
The dial features full Super-LumiNova block numerals, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
—Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Photo : Panerai, Getty Hugh Grant: Panerai Luminor Base
Hugh-Hugh Grant was totally on brand this week when he was seen watching an Italian soccer match in Como wearing a Panerai Luminor Base with a black sandwich dial, large Arabic numerals, and crown guard.
—Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2024
Adjective
In addition, this same basic pattern—of activating different neurons for, say, the numeral 3 as opposed to three dots—applies to other numbers studied to date.
—Michaela Maya-Mrschtik, Scientific American, 21 Oct. 2024
But the distinction between an empty set and numeral may be especially important when considering zero.
—Michaela Maya-Mrschtik, Scientific American, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for numeral
Dictionary Entries Near numeral
Cite this Entry
“Numeral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numeral. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share