Meaning & use

decimal

adjective·Academic

Relating to a number system based on units of ten, or a fraction written using a point followed by tenths, hundredths, and so on.

See it in a sentence

Please round your answer to two decimal places.

Most countries use the decimal system for currency, dividing units into hundredths.

A note on using this word

In math class, decimal most often refers to the noun form, a decimal, meaning a number written with a decimal point, such as 3.5.

Words with a similar meaning

This term is best learned through its definition and examples.

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

A number expressed using a decimal point to show fractional parts based on ten.

She converted the fraction three-quarters into the decimal 0.75.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “decimal”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.