Boolean

American  

[boo-lee-uhn] / ˈbu li ən /

adjective

1. pertaining to or being a deductive logical system, as Boolean algebra, used to represent symbolically the relationships between sets, classes, and other entities.

2. Computers. of or relating to a data type having two possible values representing “true” or “false.”

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noun

1. Computers. a Boolean data type.

Etymology

Origin of Boolean

Named after George Boole; see -an

Example Sentences

Boole translated logic into algebra—with an algebra of logic, or Boolean algebra—transforming logic from a philosophical, rule-based system into a mathematical, symbolic one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

It also makes long-term storage for SDDs, called flash or NAND, which stands for “not and,” a reference from the world of ones, zeros, and Boolean logic.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

Venn’s success inspired other logicians to try to do the same with Boolean algebra.

From Salon • Jul. 29, 2024

Undergraduate students helped Kadelka develop an algorithm to scan 30 million biomedical journal articles and filter those most likely to include Boolean biological network models.

From Science Daily • Jan. 23, 2024

"I thought you were kidding me, like that Boolean Algebra stuff."

From The Romantic Analogue by Skupeldyckle, W.W.