real number

American  

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

noun

Mathematics.

1. a rational number or the limit of a sequence of rational numbers, as opposed to a complex number.

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real number British  

noun

1. a number expressible as a limit of rational numbers See number

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real number Scientific  

/ rē′əl /

1. A number that can be written as a terminating or nonterminating decimal; a rational or irrational number. The numbers 2, −12.5, 3/7, and pi (π) are all real numbers.

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Etymology

Origin of real number

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

real number

The $124 trillion projected to move across generations between now and 2048 is a real number.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 17, 2026

But the real number is thought to be considerably higher by charities and experts, as so many women are not diagnosed.

From BBC ● Jun. 1, 2026

The real number is higher, as some of the most troubled mortgages are taken out of the MBS pool of loans.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 3, 2026

Most advocates believe the real number is at least 5,000.

From Slate ● Mar. 25, 2026

Imagine that we’ve already got a perfect seating plan for the real numbers: every real number has a seat, and every seat is filled.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife