error bar

noun

: the estimated uncertainty in experimental data

Examples of error bar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Once again the error bars are wide, which is why the CDC’s data brief asserts that the apparent drop in the obesity rate, from 41.9 percent to 40.3 percent, is better understood as a new plateau. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2024 The team noticed that there were large error bars on the TRGB measurement. Liz Kruesi, WIRED, 8 Sep. 2024 Frye expects to refine those error bars after a few more years of similar measurements. Liz Kruesi, WIRED, 8 Sep. 2024 SpaceX's current estimate is approximately 10 refueling launches for one Artemis landing mission, but there are error bars on each side of this number. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 30 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for error bar 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'error bar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of error bar was in 1968

Dictionary Entries Near error bar

Cite this Entry

“Error bar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/error%20bar. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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