# ordinal

/ˈɔːdɪnəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ordinal
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

showing the position of something in an ordered list, like first, second, or third. You use it to talk about order, not how many there are.

For teachers: relating to rank or position in a sequence rather than quantity. Often paired with 'number' to contrast with cardinal numbers that express how many.

## Examples

- We use first, second, and third as ordinal numbers.
- The teacher asks the class to write the ordinal forms of one, two, and three on the board.
- Linguists distinguish ordinal numerals, which mark position in a sequence, from cardinal numerals, which express quantity.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies, as in 'ordinal number' or 'ordinal rank'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.