noun
Uncommon
equals
EEK-wuhlz
Equals (noun) means the "=" symbol, used to show that two things have the same value. Example: “Put an equals sign between the two totals.”
noun
1
The "=" symbol, used to show that two things have the same value.
"Put an equals sign between the two totals."
"On the keyboard, the equals key sits next to the minus key."
"Type an equals sign first so the spreadsheet knows you are entering a formula."
How to use equals
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe mathematical "=" sign.
Common pairings
equals sign
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Put an _____ sign between the two totals.
Synonyms
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equal sign
equality symbol
Frequently asked questions
What does “equals” mean?
The word “equals” means the "=" symbol, used to show that two things have the same value. In plain terms, the mathematical "=" sign.
How do you pronounce “equals”?
“Equals” is pronounced EEK-wuhlz (/ˈiːkwəlz/ in IPA).
How do you use “equals” in a sentence?
Here is “equals” used in a sentence: “Put an equals sign between the two totals.”
What part of speech is “equals”?
“Equals” is a noun.
Is “equals” a common word?
“Equals” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the equals sign used for in math?
The equals sign ("=") is used to show that two things have the same value, linking an expression on the left to an expression on the right that is mathematically identical to it, as in "2 + 2 = 4."
What is the difference between "equals" and "equal to"?
"Equals" functions as a noun naming the "=" symbol, as well as a verb form meaning "is the same as," while "equal to" is an adjective phrase describing a relationship between two things. For example, you might say "the equals sign" (noun) or "5 equals 5" (verb), compared with "5 is equal to 5" (adjective phrase).
Is "equals" singular or plural in math notation?
"Equals" refers to a single symbol, the "=" sign, even though the word ends in "s." That "s" is part of the verb form, as in "two plus two equals four," rather than indicating a plural.
