denominator

noun

de·​nom·​i·​na·​tor di-ˈnä-mə-ˌnā-tər How to pronounce denominator (audio)
1
mathematics : the part of a fraction that is below the line and that functions as the divisor of the numerator
2
a
: a shared trait
a common denominator
b
: the average level (as of taste or opinion) : standard
Some critics argue that reality TV poses a new low denominator for television content …Zizi Papacharissi and Andrew L. Mendelson

Examples of denominator in a Sentence

In the fraction 2/3 the numerator is 2 and the denominator is 3.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Hence, by swelling the denominator, today’s inflated earnings mask how expensive stocks really are by making PEs appear on the borderline of reasonable. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 13 May 2026 Affordable, to the lowest denominator of income and those at that level. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 Sayani sees the denominator issue play out directly in LP conversations. Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2026 That denominator is constantly increasing, but the numerator is not. Kyle Eustice, VIBE.com, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for denominator

Word History

Etymology

see denominate

First Known Use

circa 1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of denominator was circa 1542

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Cite this Entry

“Denominator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denominator. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

denominator

noun
de·​nom·​i·​na·​tor di-ˈnäm-ə-ˌnāt-ər How to pronounce denominator (audio)
: the part of a fraction that is below the line and that functions as the divisor of the numerator

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