This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
cardinal number
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
Also called cardinal numeral. any of the numbers that express amount, as one, two, three, etc. (distinguished from ordinal number).
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of cardinal number
First recorded in 1585–95
Words nearby cardinal number
cardinalate, cardinal beetle, cardinalfish, cardinal flower, cardinality, cardinal number, cardinal numbers, cardinal point, cardinal points, cardinals, cardinal sign
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use cardinal number in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for cardinal number
cardinal number
cardinal numeral
noun
a number denoting quantity but not order in a setSometimes shortened to: cardinal
maths logic
- a measure of the size of a set that does not take account of the order of its membersCompare natural number
- a particular number having this function
Compare ordinal number
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for cardinal number
cardinal number
[ kär′dn-əl ]
A number, such as 3, 11, or 412, used in counting to indicate quantity but not order. Compare ordinal number.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.