arithmetic

noun

arith·​me·​tic ə-ˈrith-mə-ˌtik How to pronounce arithmetic (audio)
1
a
: a branch of mathematics that deals usually with the nonnegative real numbers including sometimes the transfinite cardinals and with the application of the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to them
b
: a treatise on arithmetic
2
arithmetic adjective
or arithmetical
arithmetically adverb
arithmetician noun

Examples of arithmetic in a Sentence

a software program that will do the arithmetic for you I haven't actually done the arithmetic yet, but I suspect we're losing money on the deal.
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.
By placing teachers at the center of innovation, the AFT and its partners aim to ensure that the next generation of students learns not just reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also how to use artificial intelligence wisely and with purpose. Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 The curriculum included arithmetic, reading, writing, history and geography, along with civics, politics, home economics and vocational training. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 The modular form’s numbers only had to be equivalent in the realm of what’s known as clock arithmetic. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 2 June 2025 That's the arithmetic that prompted Moody's to cut its rating on U.S. debt, from its top rating of Aaa to Aa1. Alain Sherter, CBS News, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for arithmetic

Word History

Etymology

Middle English arsmetrik, from Anglo-French arismatike, from Latin arithmetica, from Greek arithmētikē, from feminine of arithmētikos arithmetical, from arithmein to count, from arithmos number; akin to Old English rīm number, and perhaps to Greek arariskein to fit

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of arithmetic was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/dictionary/arithmetic. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

arithmetic

noun
arith·​me·​tic ə-ˈrith-mə-ˌtik How to pronounce arithmetic (audio)
1
: a branch of mathematics that deals with real numbers and their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
2
: an act or method of computing
arithmetic adjective
or arithmetical
arithmetically adverb
arithmetician noun

More from Merriam-Webster on arithmetic

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!