demographic

1 of 2

noun

dem·​o·​graph·​ic ˌde-mə-ˈgra-fik How to pronounce demographic (audio)
ˌdē-mə-
1
demographics plural : the statistical characteristics of human populations (such as age or income) used especially to identify markets
a change in the state's demographics
2
business : a market or segment of the population identified by demographics
trying to reach a younger demographic

demographic

2 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly demographical
1
: of or relating to demography or demographics
demographic data
2
sociology : relating to the dynamic balance of a population especially with regard to density (see density sense 2c) and capacity for expansion or decline
demographic trends
a demographic shift
demographically adverb

Did you know?

Demographic analysis, the statistical description of human populations, is a tool used by government agencies, political parties, and manufacturers of consumer goods. Polls conducted on every topic imaginable, from age to toothpaste preference, give the government and corporations an idea of who the public is and what it needs and wants. The government's census, which is conducted every ten years, is the largest demographic survey of all. Today demographic is also being used as a noun; so, for example, TV advertisers are constantly worrying about how to appeal to "the 18-to-24-year-old demographic".

Examples of demographic in a Sentence

Noun The town's demographics suggest that the restaurant will do well there. The newspaper will be making some changes in order to adapt to the region's shifting demographics. The demographics of the disease are changing, and we are seeing much younger people being affected by it. Adjective The demographic information shows that the population increased but the average income went down.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Runs also tend to draw as many running fanatics as music fans, bringing a new demographic into each artist’s orbit. Katie Bain, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026 That doubled to 60% for the mid-year assessment The data also shows year-over-year improvements across the majority of grade levels and student demographics in both subjects. Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Some teachers might use carts for a year or two instead of having their own classroom, but the district’s demographic study shows enrollment will continue to decrease, so that problem will go away. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 So far, Mamdani has cheerfully brushed aside these cartoon-villain allegations, announcing an ambitious universal-childcare plan and holding an adorable press conference with constituents in the under-five demographic. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demographic

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of demographic entry 2

Adjective

demography + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demographic was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Demographic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demographic. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

demographic

adjective
de·​mo·​graph·​ic ˌdē-mə-ˈgraf-ik How to pronounce demographic (audio) ˌdem-ə- How to pronounce demographic (audio)
1
: of or relating to demography
2
: relating to the dynamic balance of a population especially with regard to density and capacity for expansion or decline
demographically adverb

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