repeating decimal

noun

: a decimal in which after a certain point a particular digit or sequence of digits repeats itself indefinitely compare terminating decimal

Examples of repeating decimal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The real numbers, for example, include every point on the number line, even the strange ones like π that have endless, non-repeating decimal representations. Quanta Magazine, 20 Feb. 2019 The short way to say this is that pi is an irrational number, one that cannot be represented as a fraction and thus has an infinite and never-repeating decimal expansion. Dan Rockmore /, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repeating decimal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of repeating decimal was in 1773

Dictionary Entries Near repeating decimal

Cite this Entry

“Repeating decimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repeating%20decimal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

repeating decimal

noun
: a decimal in which after a certain point a particular digit or sequence of digits repeats itself indefinitely compare terminating decimal
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