prime number

noun

: any integer other than 0 or ± 1 that is not divisible without remainder by any other integers except ± 1 and ± the integer itself

Examples of prime number in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Count through the series of prime numbers. — Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026 In the case of the integers, the prime ideals are sets of multiples corresponding to each of the prime numbers, along with zero. — Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 20 May 2026 Any set of prime numbers is automatically primitive, because primes have no factors (except themselves and the number one). — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026 Euclid’s famous proof that there are infinitely many prime numbers appears very different when formalized in Lean, a proof assistant. — Benjamin Skuse, IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prime number

Word History

Etymology

translation of Late Latin prīmus numerus, translation of Greek prôtos arithmós

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prime number was in 1570

Rhymes for prime number

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Browse Nearby Words

primeness
prime number
primer
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Cite this Entry

“Prime number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20number. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prime number

noun
: a whole number other than 0 or ±1 that is not divisible without a remainder by any other whole numbers except ±1 and ± itself

More from Merriam-Webster on prime number

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prime number

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