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
The move aims to make home ownership more accessible to a younger demographic, who are more likely to own crypto. Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026 Sam González Kelly is a demographics reporter for the Houston Chronicle, focusing on issues of race, class, migration and inequality in one of the fastest-growing regions of the United States. Sam González Kelly, Houston Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The national survey found that those who lacked easy access to proof of citizenship were disproportionately younger and people of color, two demographic groups that tend to vote more for Democrats than Republicans. Josh Meyer, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026 Cinephilia is at a high point right now, especially with young audiences, as Gen Z is the largest demographic currently contributing to ticket sales. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 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 28 Mar. 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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