whole number

noun

: any of the set of nonnegative integers
also : integer

Examples of whole number in a Sentence

since percentages have been rounded off to whole numbers, the total will not be exactly equal to 100%
Recent Examples on the Web In the upper-left corner of the screen, just above the score, each team’s chance of winning the game is expressed as a percentage—a whole number, reassuring in its roundness, that is recalculated after every at-bat. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2024 Groups generalize essential properties of the whole numbers. Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 6 Sep. 2024 For example, the set {2, 4, 8, 16, …}, in which each number doubles the one before it, is so spread out along the number line that it’s said to make up 0 percent of the whole numbers. Leila Sloman, WIRED, 1 Sep. 2024 For example, the set {2, 4, 8, 16, …}, in which each number doubles the one before it, is so spread out along the number line that it’s said to make up 0% of the whole numbers. Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for whole number 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'whole number.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near whole number

Cite this Entry

“Whole number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20number. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

whole number

noun
: any of the set of nonnegative integers
also : integer

More from Merriam-Webster on whole number

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