numerical

adjective

nu·​mer·​i·​cal nu̇-ˈmer-i-kəl How to pronounce numerical (audio)
nyu̇-
1
: of or relating to numbers
the numerical superiority of the enemy
2
: expressed in or involving numbers or a number system
numerical standing in a class
a numerical code
numerically
nu̇-ˈmer-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce numerical (audio)
nyu̇-
adverb

Examples of numerical in a Sentence

The files are organized according to a numerical system. The files are in numerical order.
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.
Publicly available materials, however, do not provide numerical results, laundering data or comparisons with commercial finishes. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 The results were sorted into categories including work-life balance, economic stability and physical health and the categories were given a numerical score. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The simulator runs thousands of these probability models and ultimately provides a numerical estimate of the number of new units that could be built. — Stefan Chavez-Norgaard, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 Summary The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is proposing a significant overhaul of its grant review process, moving away from transparent numerical scores for applicants. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for numerical

Word History

Etymology

Latin numerus number entry 1 + -ical

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerical was in 1628

Phrases Containing numerical

Rhymes for numerical

See All Rhymes for numerical

Browse Nearby Words

numeric
numerical
numerical analysis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Numerical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerical. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

numerical

adjective
nu·​mer·​i·​cal n(y)u̇-ˈmer-i-kəl How to pronounce numerical (audio)
1
: of or relating to numbers
2
: shown in or involving numbers or a number system
numerical order
numerically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce numerical (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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