odd number

American  

[od nuhm-ber] / ˈɒd ˈnʌm bər /

noun

1. a number that leaves a remainder of 1 when divided by 2.

   7, 13, and 195 are odd numbers.

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Etymology

Origin of odd number

First recorded in 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Others throw the number out entirely and follow what many Southern Italian families have long done: just make an odd number of fish dishes.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

They are classified as odd-Z elements -- possessing an odd number of protons -- and are crucial for both life and the development of planets.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2025

Of those who remain, if your Social Security number starts with an even number, you’re in, and if it starts with an odd number, you’re out.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2024

If there’s an odd number of electrons in the wire, the unpaired electron should essentially split in half to form two separated Majorana quasiparticles—one at each end of the wire.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 20, 2023

Doc said we could fill the bags with anything we wanted, as long as there was an odd number of things in the bag.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce