whole number

American  

[hohl nuhm-ber] / ˈhoʊl ˌnʌm bər /

noun

Mathematics.

1. Also called counting number.  one of the positive integers or zero; any of the numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, …).

2. (loosely) integer.

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whole number British  

noun

1. an integer

2. a natural number

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whole number Scientific  

1. A member of the set of positive integers and zero.

2. A positive integer.

3. An integer.

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Etymology

Origin of whole number

First recorded in 1550–60

Compare meaning

How does whole-number compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• whole number vs. integer

Example Sentences

Whole number of volumes printed this year, 3,000; 880,000 pages.

From History Of The Missions Of The American Board Of Commissioners For Foreign Missions To The Oriental Churches, Volume II. by Anderson, Rufus

Eighteen-month class: Whole number of votes cast, 300; necessary to a choice, 225.

From The Jimmyjohn Boss and Other Stories by Wister, Owen

Whole number of votes, eighty-seven; necessary to a choice, forty-four.

From Outward Bound Or, Young America Afloat by Optic, Oliver

"Whole number of votes, thirteen," the coxswain read from the paper.

From The Boat Club or, The Bunkers of Rippleton by Optic, Oliver

Whole number of volumes from the beginning, 91,350.

From History Of The Missions Of The American Board Of Commissioners For Foreign Missions To The Oriental Churches, Volume II. by Anderson, Rufus

Related Words

• figure
• statistic
• sum
• total