Hindu-Arabic

adjective

Hin·​du-Ar·​a·​bic ˈhin-(ˌ)dü-ˈer-ə-bik How to pronounce Hindu-Arabic (audio)
-ˈa-rə-
: relating to, being, or composed of Arabic numerals
Hindu-Arabic numeration system

Examples of Hindu-Arabic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today’s numerical world is dominated by the Hindu-Arabic decimal system. — Amory Tillinghast-Raby, Scientific American, 10 Apr. 2023 This brought Hindu-Arabic numbers to the West, replacing the much clunkier and inefficient Roman numerals, though not entirely. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026 In comparison with the Roman numerals that were previously widespread in Europe, the Hindu-Arabic numerals facilitate the reckoning that merchants need to do for commerce much more easily. — John Pavlus, Quanta Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hindu-Arabic was in 1906

Rhymes for Hindu-Arabic

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Browse Nearby Words

Hindu
Hindu-Arabic
Hindu calendar
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Cite this Entry

“Hindu-Arabic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hindu-Arabic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Hindu-Arabic

adjective
: relating to, being, or composed of Arabic numerals
the Hindu-Arabic numeration system
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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