Phrase guide

big O notation

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A particular notation, useful in the analysis of algorithms, which describes the limiting behavior of a function when the argument tends towards a particular value or infinity, usually in terms of simpler functions.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Topics: computing, computing-theory, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the capital letter O (short for order, originally German Ordnung) used in the notation.