ordinal number
noun
1
: a number designating the place (such as first, second, or third) occupied by an item in an ordered sequence see Table of Numbers
2
: a number assigned to an ordered set that designates both the order of its elements and its cardinal number
Examples of ordinal number in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are 25 Helena Drives in Brentwood, each a cul-de-sac preceded by a different ordinal number — 7th, 19th, etc.
—
Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2024
The guy who gave us Twin Peaks and Dune (1984) is rejecting ordinal numbers.
—Zoe Guy, Vulture, 28 May 2024
Interestingly enough, Kruskal's tree theorem required non-finite mathmatics to prove, using advanced techniques such as transfinite arithmetic and ordinal numbers.
—Jay Bennett, Popular Mechanics, 20 Oct. 2017
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.
Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2024
The guy who gave us Twin Peaks and Dune (1984) is rejecting ordinal numbers.
—Zoe Guy, Vulture, 28 May 2024
Interestingly enough, Kruskal's tree theorem required non-finite mathmatics to prove, using advanced techniques such as transfinite arithmetic and ordinal numbers.
—Jay Bennett, Popular Mechanics, 20 Oct. 2017
Dictionary Entries Near ordinal number
Cite this Entry
“Ordinal number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordinal%20number. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share