demographic

noun

dem·o·graph·ic | \ˌde-mə-ˈgra-fik,

ˌdē-mə-\

Definition of demographic

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

adjective

de·mo·graph·ic | \ˌde-mə-ˈgra-fik,

ˌdē-mə-\

variants: or less commonly demographical \ -fi-kəl

Definition of demographic (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from demographic Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about demographic

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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: Noun

The House will see a new record of at least 125 women in office in 2019, and women voters in specific demographics helped them get there. — Celeste Katz, Glamour, "This Is How Women Voted in the Midterms—and What It Means for Election 2020," 12 Nov. 2018 How will shifts in demographics and shopping patterns challenge current investment practices? — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "The 10 top emerging trends that will shape real estate in 2019," 10 Oct. 2018 Based on last year’s model, Razer knows how to focus on its key demographic without bogging down the rest of the phone. — Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, "Razer Phone 2 hands-on: The first gaming phone gets better," 10 Oct. 2018 And starting in the late ’70s, when ABC transformed itself into a young adult network with Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and all those other types of shows, there was a power in demographics, and that became really important. — Todd Vanderwerff, Vox, "Hey, older TV fans: networks just might start caring about you again!," 8 Sep. 2018 There is also a contradiction between old ideas of national identity, which were rooted in fixed demographics, versus a modern world in which international migration is more possible than ever. — New York Times, "In U.S. and Europe, Migration Conflict Points to Deeper Political Problems," 29 June 2018 Hispanics make up 54 percent of the Democrats, according to Jerry Skurnik, a Democratic political consultant who specializes in voter demographics. — Henry Goldman, Bloomberg.com, "Along the 7 Line in Queens, a New Democratic Politics Is Born," 28 June 2018 With 16,250 students, according to the California School Dashboard, Escondido has experienced declining enrollment in recent years due to changes in the area’s demographics, shifts toward enrollment in local charter schools, and other factors. — Deborah Sullivan Brennan, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Escondido schools take close look at special education and find it lacking," 13 May 2018 The Milken Institute also researches regional economic trends, demographics and financial markets. — James F. Peltz, latimes.com, "Anthony Scaramucci, L.A.'s Gary Winnick encouraging pardon for 'junk bond king' Michael Milken," 16 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Even as larger San Antonio districts grapple with sudden declines in enrollment, real estate developers and demographic studies point to substantial growth in Southwest ISD over the next decade, Byrom said. — Alia Malik, San Antonio Express-News, "Five running for Southwest ISD board seats," 18 Apr. 2018 The United States is also going through a demographic shift. — Jesse J. Holland And Russell Contreras, chicagotribune.com, "Trump draws fierce criticism for saying immigration is 'changing the culture' of Europe for worse," 14 July 2018 All but a handful are of Asian descent, reflecting the town’s demographic shifts. — Doug Struck, The Christian Science Monitor, "As Americans celebrate Independence Day, what does it mean to be a patriot?," 2 July 2018 The statement reflects a demographic shift in the neighborhood, which has seen a wave of younger homeowners swooping in amongst older families who have lived in the area for years. — Kate Talerico, The Courier-Journal, "New restaurant plus (maybe?) short-term rentals ahead in Schnitzelburg," 21 June 2018 This new disdain for Democrats among blue-collar voters has bought Republicans precious time to try to prepare for the demographic shifts ahead. — Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "Dems didn't learn the lesson from West Virginia," 2 May 2018 Growing internationalism is not the only demographic shift behind the co-educational trend. — The Economist, "England’s single-sex schools are struggling to recruit pupils," 28 Apr. 2018 From the front lines to the home front The postwar boom wasn’t just the result of a demographic shift, or simply the flowering of an economy primed by new consumer spending. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "Why buying a house today is so much harder than in 1950," 10 Apr. 2018 The report by MGT of America Consulting says the changes are needed to address enrollment declines projected at about 6,600 students over the next decade, demographic shifts and future programming needs. — Annysa Johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "MPS braces for bruising budget battle; busing services, health care benefits could be pared," 7 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'demographic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.