theorem

noun

the·​o·​rem ˈthē-ə-rəm How to pronounce theorem (audio)
ˈthir-əm
1
: a formula, proposition, or statement in mathematics or logic deduced or to be deduced from other formulas or propositions
2
: an idea accepted or proposed as a demonstrable truth often as a part of a general theory : proposition
the theorem that the best defense is offense
3
4
: a painting produced especially on velvet by the use of stencils for each color
theorematic adjective

Examples of theorem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
So somebody might try to construct a mathematical theorem and then hundreds or even thousands of years later, somebody else finishes it off. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025 Pythagoras' theorem is famously brief and everybody can understand it. Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025 Delilah was in effect an application of a bandwidth theorem that today is known as the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem. IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2025 One consequence of this theorem is that an MLP cannot perfectly represent that function. Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 11 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for theorem

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin theorema, from Greek theōrēma, from theōrein to look at, from theōros spectator, from thea act of seeing — more at theater entry 1

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorem was in 1551

Cite this Entry

“Theorem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorem. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

theorem

noun
the·​o·​rem ˈthē-ə-rəm How to pronounce theorem (audio)
ˈthi(-ə)r-əm
1
: a formula, proposition, or statement in mathematics or logic that has been or is to be proved from other formulas or propositions
2
: an idea accepted or proposed as a demonstrable truth

More from Merriam-Webster on theorem

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