numerology

noun

nu·​mer·​ol·​o·​gy ˌnü-mə-ˈrä-lə-jē 

ˌnyü-

: the study of the occult significance of numbers

numerological

ˌnü-mə-rə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

ˌnyü-

adjective

numerologist

ˌnü-mə-ˈrä-lə-jist 

ˌnyü-

noun

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As an element of astrology and fortune-telling, numerology has long been employed to predict future events. For many early Christians, 3 represented the Trinity, 6 represented earthly perfection, and 7 represented heavenly perfection; and still today, many of us like to group things into sets of 3 or 7, for no particular reason. Numerology has also been used to interpret personality; in particular, numerologists may assign numbers to each letter of a person's name and use the resulting figures, along with the person's date of birth, as a guide to his or her character.

Examples of numerology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To that end, Bach often pursued esoteric symbolism and numerology, with vocal lines crossing in the music when Christ is mentioned, and the like. —Jan Swafford, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024

Ancient Babylonians, Egyptians and early Indo-Aryans used numbers to describe the world; however, Greek philosopher Pythagoras took numerology and the notion of life path numbers to a whole new level, thinking numbers connected the universe and humans. —Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2024

For instance, someone who believes in numerology might frequently encounter the number 7 in various contexts, such as on clocks, license plates and receipts. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

In numerology, 444’s twin flame meaning is simply to lean into whatever your current sentiment toward that person is. —Lian Brooks, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin numerus number entry 1+ -o- + -logy

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above