census

noun

cen·​sus ˈsen(t)-səs 

1

: a count of the population and a property evaluation in early Rome

2

: a usually complete enumeration of a population

specifically : a periodic governmental enumeration of population

According to the latest U.S. census, 20% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin.

3

: count, tally

a census of deer in a game refuge

census transitive verb

Synonyms of census

• count
• tally

Examples of census in a Sentence

According to the latest census, the racial makeup of the town has changed dramatically in the last 50 years.

a thorough census of all the grizzly bears living within the national park

Recent Examples on the Web

According to census data, Austin’s median household income is $90,430 — about $8,000 higher than the next-wealthiest large Texas city, Fort Worth. —Data Reporter, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026

At the time, Aurora decided to delay the recount census focused on potentially undercounted areas, and instead resubmit for a special census focused just on new growth, for a number of reasons. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026

This includes 40% of the state’s Hispanic and Latino population, according to 2024 census estimates. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026

Residents have begun fleeing for lower-cost-of-living states at such a high rate that California is poised to lose Electoral College votes after the next census. —Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin cēnsus, from cēnsēre "to give as an opinion, assess, appraise, perform the duties of a censor" + -tus, suffix of verbal action — more at censor entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing census

• census clause

Rhymes for census

• amanuensis
• melitensis
• consensus

Kids Definition

census

noun

cen·​sus ˈsen(t)-səs 

: a counting of the population (as of a country, city, or town) and a gathering of related statistics done by a government every so often

Legal Definition

census

noun

cen·​sus

: a usually complete count of a population (as of a state)

especially : a periodic governmental count of a population that usually includes social and economic information (as occupations, ages, and incomes)