arithmetic

American  

[uh-rith-muh-tik, ar-ith-met-ik] / əˈrɪθ mə tɪk, ˌær ɪθˈmɛt ɪk /

noun

1. the method or process of computation with figures: the most elementary branch of mathematics.

2. Also called theoretical arithmetic.  Also called higher arithmetic,.  the theory of numbers; the study of the divisibility of whole numbers, the remainders after division, etc.

3. a book on this subject.

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adjective

1. Also arithmetical. of or relating to arithmetic.

arithmetic British  

/ əˈrɪθmətɪk /

noun

1. the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

2. one or more calculations involving numerical operations

3. knowledge of or skill in using arithmetic

   his arithmetic is good

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or using arithmetic

arithmetic Scientific  

/ ə-rĭth′mĭ-tĭk /

1. The mathematics of integers, rational numbers, real numbers, or complex numbers under the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

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Other Word Forms

• arithmetically adverb
• arithmetician noun
• nonarithmetic adjective
• nonarithmetical adjective
• nonarithmetically adverb
• unarithmetical adjective
• unarithmetically adverb

Etymology

Origin of arithmetic

1200–50; < Latin arithmētica, feminine singular of arithmēticus < Greek arithmētikḗ ( téchnē ) (art, skill) of numbers, equivalent to arithmé ( ein ) to reckon + -t ( o )- verbal adjective + -ikḗ -ic; replacing Middle English arsmet ( r ) ike < Old French arismetique < Medieval Latin arismētica, with s for Late Greek th

Explanation

Arithmetic is another word for math, specifically the areas of math having to do with numbers and calculating. If you're good at adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying, then you're good at arithmetic, which is a big part of math. Arithmetic has to do with doing calculations. To answer most math problems, including almost all word problems, you need arithmetic. The most basic arithmetic is 2 plus 2, but as anyone who's ever taken algebra can tell you, it can get a lot more complicated than that.

Example Sentences

The arithmetic that made counterdrone technology urgent is embarrassingly simple.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

We apologize for bringing arithmetic into this–we’ll try not to let it happen again.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Rivian’s decision to take on the risk of a ballot measure—and nearly $5 million of expenses—was a matter of arithmetic, said Alan Hoffman, Rivian’s policy chief.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

The basic arithmetic itself is subject to cavils resulting from the murkiness of some of the cost calculations and projections.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

I sighed, too embarrassed to tell him how much I missed school myself—not arithmetic or geography or social studies, but reading and drawing and playing with my friends at recess.

From "The Old Willis Place" by Mary Downing Hahn

Related Words

• calculation
• computation