numerology

American  

[noo-muh-rol-uh-jee, nyoo-] / ˌnu məˈrɒl ə dʒi, ˌnyu- /

noun

1. the study of numbers, as the figures designating the year of one's birth, to determine their supposed influence on one's life, future, etc.

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numerology British  

/ ˌnjuːməˈrɒlədʒɪ, ˌnjuːmərəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of numbers, such as the figures in a birth date, and of their supposed influence on human affairs

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Other Word Forms

• numerological adjective
• numerologist noun

Etymology

Origin of numerology

1910–15; < Latin numer ( us ) number + -o- + -logy

Example Sentences

The explanation is hard to untangle for those who aren’t true numerology zealots.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

"I read about this numerology theory that if you add the numbers that match the letters in your name you can change your personality," she told The Australian.

From BBC • May 12, 2025

"The numerology of this complicated physics puzzle requires quite some patience," says Haoyun Huang, Csathy's PhD student.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2024

In numerology, 4 represents foundation, structure and responsibility.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2023

Like many other pseudosciences, numerology is ancient, and acquires some respectability from its religious associations.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos