mathematics

American  

[math-uh-mat-iks] / ˌmæθ əˈmæt ɪks /

noun

mathematics plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• mathematics
  plural

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

See Examples For:

mathematics

Jaden Martin, a 22-year-old who works in marketing and hails from the southwestern state of Arizona, told AFP he was visiting the capital to accompany his girlfriend who was attending a mathematics conference.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

Martin Leibowitz, a pioneer in applying mathematics to bond investing, died May 6 at age 89, leaving a legacy of insights and formulas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026

This is the best-case scenario, because the problem pushes us in new conceptual directions that often have value far beyond the original problem—and sometimes beyond mathematics itself.

From Slate ● Jun. 22, 2026

The stability comes from topology, a branch of mathematics concerned with the underlying "shape" or structure of a system.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 2026

Besides serving as president, he also taught Greek, Latin, mathematics, geology, English literature, history, grammar, and philosophy.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Related Words

• algebra
• calculation
• calculus
• geometry
• math