1
: a generalization of arithmetic in which letters representing numbers are combined according to the rules of arithmetic
2
: any of various systems or branches of mathematics or logic concerned with the properties and relationships of abstract entities (such as complex numbers, matrices, sets, vectors, groups, rings, or fields) manipulated in symbolic form under operations often analogous to those of arithmetic compare boolean algebra

Examples of algebra in a Sentence

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In algebra, Clementine writes with her finger on a touch screen to solve equations. Jocelyn Gecker, Fortune, 26 May 2026 In algebra, Clementine writes with her finger on a touch screen to solve equations. ABC News, 25 May 2026 Once again, the Rays are practicing college-level algebra while the rest of the league is counting with their fingers. John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026 Math professors report that students racing through the calculus sequence arrive in college with dangerously weak algebra foundations. Scott White, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for algebra

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-jabr, literally, the reduction

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of algebra was in 1551

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Cite this Entry

“Algebra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/algebra. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

algebra

noun
: a branch of mathematics that uses letters to represent numbers and that studies numbers and the operations (as multiplication and addition) that are used on them
algebraic
ˌal-jə-ˈbrā-ik
adjective
algebraically
-ˈbrā-ə-k(ə-)lē
adverb

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