curve fitting

noun

: the empirical determination of a curve or function that approximates a set of data

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of curve fitting was in 1902

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curve fitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curve%20fitting. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster