arithmetic
Americannoun
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the method or process of computation with figures: the most elementary branch of mathematics.
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Also called theoretical arithmetic. Also called higher arithmetic,. the theory of numbers; the study of the divisibility of whole numbers, the remainders after division, etc.
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a book on this subject.
adjective
noun
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the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
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one or more calculations involving numerical operations
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knowledge of or skill in using arithmetic
his arithmetic is good
adjective
Other Word Forms
- arithmetically adverb
- arithmetician noun
- nonarithmetic adjective
- nonarithmetical adjective
- nonarithmetically adverb
- unarithmetical adjective
- unarithmetically adverb
Etymology
Origin of arithmetic
1200–50; < Latin arithmētica, feminine singular of arithmēticus < Greek arithmētikḗ ( téchnē ) (art, skill) of numbers, equivalent to arithmé ( ein ) to reckon + -t ( o )- verbal adjective + -ikḗ -ic; replacing Middle English arsmet ( r ) ike < Old French arismetique < Medieval Latin arismētica, with s for Late Greek th
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We apologize for bringing arithmetic into this–we’ll try not to let it happen again.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
As a matter of simple arithmetic, that is far too small a sample to rule out my hypothesis if we take Pangram’s other claims at face value.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
The basic arithmetic itself is subject to cavils resulting from the murkiness of some of the cost calculations and projections.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026
That eases the oil market at the margin because it changes the “basic arithmetic that traders are running on,” Innes said.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026
So arithmetic was a warm and human thing to Francie and occupied many lonely hours of her time.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
