mathematics

American  

[math-uh-mat-iks] / ˌmæθ əˈmæt ɪks /

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the systematic treatment of magnitude, relationships between figures and forms, and relations between quantities expressed symbolically.

2. (used with a singular or plural verb) mathematical procedures, operations, or properties.

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mathematics British  

/ ˌmæθəˈmætɪks, ˌmæθˈmæt- /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a group of related sciences, including algebra, geometry, and calculus, concerned with the study of number, quantity, shape, and space and their interrelationships by using a specialized notation

2. (functioning as singular or plural) mathematical operations and processes involved in the solution of a problem or study of some scientific field

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mathematics Scientific  

/ măth′ə-măt′ĭks /

1. The study of the measurement, relationships, and properties of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus are branches of mathematics.

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mathematics Cultural  

1. The study of numbers, equations, functions, and geometric shapes (see geometry) and their relationships. Some branches of mathematics are characterized by use of strict proofs based on axioms. Some of its major subdivisions are arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus.

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Etymology

Origin of mathematics

1350–1400; Middle English mathematic < Latin mathēmatica ( ars ) < Greek mathēmatikḕ ( téchnē ) scientific (craft), equivalent to mathēmat- (stem of máthēma ) science, knowledge + -ikē, feminine of -ikos -ic; see -ics

Explanation

Mathematics is the long word for "math," or the science of numbers and shapes and what they mean. Most people need mathematics everyday to count and measure. Mathematics is technically a plural noun — mathematics include geometry, algebra, and calculus. But in the U.S., the word is usually treated as a singular concept: That's why someone says that mathematics is their favorite subject, not mathematics are their favorite subjects. The word mathematics comes from the Greek word manthanein, meaning "to learn."

Example Sentences

Born in Soviet-era Moscow, Gerko attended a school for gifted math students before earning his Ph.D. in mathematics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

The preference from his mother was always that Pellegrino Matarazzo would use his degree in applied mathematics to go get a job in finance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Before Reed Hastings revolutionized the global entertainment business, he sold Rainbow vacuum cleaners door-to-door during his gap year between high school and Bowdoin College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

He won a scholarship to Eton College after attending a state primary school, and studied mathematics at Pembroke College, Oxford.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

He said, ‘We don’t have to see it to know that, do we, Jensen? We just watch the compass and know. Simple matter of mathematics, isn’t it?’

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Related Words

• algebra
• calculation
• calculus
• geometry
• math