Roman numerals

British  

plural noun

1. the letters used by the Romans for the representation of cardinal numbers, still used occasionally today. The integers are represented by the following letters: I (= 1), V (= 5), X (= 10), L (= 50), C (= 100), D (= 500), and M (= 1000). If a numeral is followed by another numeral of lower denomination, the two are added together; if it is preceded by one of lower denomination, the smaller numeral is subtracted from the greater. Thus VI = 6 (V + I), but IV = 4 (V – I). Other examples are XC (= 90), CL (= 150), XXV (= 25), XLIV (= 44). Multiples of a thousand are indicated by a superior bar: thus, ̅V = 5000, ̅X = 10 000, ̅X̅D = 490 000, etc

---

Roman numerals Cultural  

1. Letters of the alphabet used in ancient Rome to represent numbers: I = 1; V = 5; X = 10; L = 50; C = 100; D = 500; M = 1000. The numbers one through ten are written I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X. Roman numerals are often used to signify divisions of a long work, or of a work with many parts. They are also used to lend significance to something, as in Super Bowl VII. Formal designation of years may also be in Roman numerals: a.d. MCMLXXXIX = a.d. 1989.

---

Example Sentences

Far more prominent, in the statue’s left hand, is the tablet inscribed with July 4, 1776, in Roman numerals.

From New York Times

He grouped the skin of "white" people as Roman numerals I to IV by asking how much sunburn or tan they developed after certain periods in sun.

From Reuters

The date of American Independence, July 4, 1776, is written on the tablet in Roman numerals.

From New York Times

Scientists have sorted North America’s periodical cicadas into groups called broods, delineated by Roman numerals.

From New York Times

With the now-signature checkered chemin de fer design around the perimeter of the face and distinct Roman numerals, the Tank’s rigorously linear design was a radical departure from the era’s traditionally round watches.

From New York Times