arabic numeral: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal / Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “arabic numeral” mean?
Any of the ten numerical symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, used in a positional decimal system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of the ten numerical symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, used in a positional decimal system.
The system of writing numbers using the digits 0-9, as opposed to systems like Roman numerals. It can also refer to the digits themselves, especially when distinguishing them from the symbols of other numerical systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Both varieties use the term identically. Spelling of 'numeral' is the same.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally used in formal, academic, and technical contexts in both UK and US English. The simpler term 'digit' is more common in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “arabic numeral” in a Sentence
[subject] uses Arabic numerals.Arabic numerals [verb] replaced Roman numerals.The form was filled in [preposition] Arabic numerals.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arabic numeral” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Arabic-numeral system is now used globally.
- We need an Arabic-numeral keyboard layout.
American English
- The Arabic-numeral system is now used globally.
- We need an Arabic-numeral keypad.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in financial reports, forms, and data tables to ensure clarity and standardisation (e.g., 'Please enter amounts in Arabic numerals').
Academic
Common in historical, mathematical, and linguistic texts discussing the development and adoption of numeral systems.
Everyday
Used primarily when giving instructions on forms or clarifying a distinction (e.g., 'Write your date of birth in Arabic numerals, not words').
Technical
Standard term in computing, typography, and international standards to specify character sets and number representation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arabic numeral”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arabic numeral”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arabic numeral”
- Writing 'arabic numeral' without capitalising 'Arabic'.
- Using 'Arabic number' instead of 'Arabic numeral'.
- Confusing it with 'Roman numerals' in contexts where both are possible, like clock faces or book chapters.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They originated in India and were transmitted to Europe via Arab mathematicians, hence the name. They are more accurately called Hindu-Arabic numerals.
Yes, the concept and symbol for zero is a crucial part of the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, enabling positional notation.
Use it primarily when you need to specify the writing system, especially in contrast to other systems like Roman numerals (e.g., on forms, in historical or technical discussions).
In many Arab nations, what Westerners call 'Arabic numerals' (0-9) are often called 'Hindi numerals', while they commonly use different glyphs (٠,١,٢,٣...) known as 'Eastern Arabic numerals' for writing text.
Any of the ten numerical symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, used in a positional decimal system.
Arabic numeral is usually formal / academic / technical in register.
Arabic numeral: in British English it is pronounced /ˌær.əb.ɪk ˈnjuː.mə.rəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌer.ə.bɪk ˈnuː.mə.rəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't mistake the Arabic numeral for the letter it resembles.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the shape of the digits 1, 2, 3 on your phone keypad. These are the modern form of the 'Arabic numerals' that originated centuries ago.
Conceptual Metaphor
NUMERALS ARE TOOLS FOR COUNTING (a precise, universal toolset).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT an Arabic numeral?