Numeral: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in contexts relating to symbols or characters that represent numbers, often in historical or linguistic discussions.

• The Roman numeral for 10 is X
• Arabic numerals are commonly used in most parts of the world

A general term useful in any situation involving counting, mathematics, or identification. It can represent both individual and grouped quantities.

• What is your phone number? We need to add these numbers together

Appropriate in contexts involving statistical data, finance, or when referring to numerical representations of amounts, often implying something larger or more complex.

• The unemployment figure has risen this month
• He earns a six-figure salary

Best used when referring to individual numbers from 0 to 9, usually in discussing the components of larger numbers or basic counting.

• The number 345 has three digits
• She entered the wrong digit on the keypad

Used to refer specifically to symbols or characters that represent numbers.

• The Roman numeral IX represents the number 9.
• Please enter the numeral for your birth year.

Used in grammar and linguistics to refer to words that represent numbers, often spelled out.

• The number word 'fifty' can be tricky for children to spell.
• In the sentence, 'She has three cats,' 'three' is a number word.

Used in more technical or instructional contexts to discuss words that represent amounts or measurements.

• In programming, a variable might hold a quantity word.
• The lesson focused on teaching children different quantity words like 'few,' 'several,' and 'many.'