algorithm
Pluralalgorithms
- 1A set of steps to follow to solve a problem or decide what to do.
Like a recipe for baking a cake: follow each step in order and you end up with the cake.
We learned an algorithm for long division in math class.
The app uses an algorithm to sort the photos by date.
UsageSay an algorithm for something.
Note
- 2The computer system on apps and websites that picks what posts or videos each person sees.
Like a TV boss who decides which shows everyone in the country gets to watch.
The app changed its algorithm, and now news posts reach far fewer people.
She posts at the same time every day so the algorithm will share her videos with more people.
UsageUsually called the algorithm, or my algorithm for what an app shows one person.
Note
- 3Doing math with the number symbols 0 through 9, instead of with Roman numerals or a counting board.
Note
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of algorithm apart? Answer 2 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
It comes from Arabic, from the name al-Khwārizmī, a Persian mathematician whose name meant 'person from Chorasmia'. The word reached English through Latin and French.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 4 facts
- Algorithm ultimately comes from the Arabic name al-Khwārizmī. en.wiktionary.org
- Al-Khwārizmī was a Persian mathematician. en.wikipedia.org
- The name al-Khwārizmī means a person from Chorasmia. en.wiktionary.org
- The word reached English through Latin and French. en.wiktionary.org