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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ordinal number was in 1607

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 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ordinal number

noun
: a number indicating the place (as first, fifth, 22nd) of an item in an ordered sequence compare cardinal number see number

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