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

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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.

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Example Sentences

They call their anonymous frontperson “Vessel” and backing band by roman numerals.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2025

There are no roman numerals in the title of Green’s film, nor any of those dopey subtitles like 1998’s “Halloween H20,” which presumably delved into the very real fears of dehydration.

From Washington Times • Oct. 15, 2018

Unsure of the figures, Mrs Ashworth took to her computer - writing "please translate these roman numerals mcmxcviii thank you."

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2016

Payne is also shown getting some of his latest ink — the roman numerals are a memento of his audition number from the band’s X Factor days.

From Time • Oct. 20, 2015

Will held the watch in his hand and looked down at the white face, the black roman numerals, and the skinny second hand ticking forward in a steady, jerking beat.

From "Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story" by Nora Raleigh Baskin