enumeration

American  

[ih-noo-muh-rey-shuhn, ih-nyoo-] / ɪˌnu məˈreɪ ʃən, ɪˌnyu- /

noun

1. an act of enumerating.

2. a catalog or list.

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Other Word Forms

• preenumeration
  noun
• reenumeration
  noun

Etymology

Origin of enumeration

First recorded in 1545–55, enumeration is from the Latin word ēnumerātiōn- (stem of ēnumerātiō ). See enumerate, -ion

Explanation

Enumeration means counting or reciting numbers or a numbered list. A waiter's lengthy enumeration of all the available salad dressings might seem a little hostile if he begins with a deep sigh. When you're reciting a list of things, it's enumeration. Your enumeration of complaints about your hotel room might be received with a smile by the manager, but she may be silently engaging in her own enumeration of the reasons she doesn't want you at her hotel. The root of the word "number" — numer, from the Latin numerus — is hiding in the middle of enumeration. Just remember to leave out the b from number when you spell it.

Example Sentences

A few points about the Enumeration at Birth policy, which allowed Maine parents, like those of all other states, to register their newborns through their state agencies, almost immediately upon giving birth.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2025

Update: Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Lee Dudek announced the reversal of a decision terminating Enumeration at Birth in Maine in a Friday statement, calling it a "mistake" and directing the programs be reinstated.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2025

Enumeration the listing of the component parts of a concept, notion, or thing.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

Seeborg found a violation of the Constitution's Enumeration Clause, which could present another issue for the U.S.

From Fox News • Mar. 6, 2019

Enumeration of Plants of Babbage's Expedition page 12.

From Explorations in Australia The Journals of John McDouall Stuart by Stuart, John McDouall