frequency distribution

noun

: an arrangement of statistical data that exhibits the frequency of the occurrence of the values of a variable

Examples of frequency distribution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This phenomenon, known as Fano resonance, occurs when two phonons with different frequency distributions interfere with each other, producing distinctive patterns of amplification or cancellation—similar to overlapping ripples on a pond. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2025 To observe the frequency distributions of the sentences, the Herald checked central tendency measures like medians, modes and standard deviations. Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 Within limits Calculating these upper and lower bounds for different lakes produces a frequency distribution for both the upper and lower bounds of the precipitation needed to produce appropriately sized runoff events. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 21 Aug. 2020 Super pantries are high-volume, high-frequency distribution sites that have signed on to pass out food at least three times a week until Dec. 31. Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2020 Strong bottlenecks may be needed to drive wholesale extinction of once common alleles (or the fixation of those at moderate frequencies), but mild bottlenecks may nevertheless perturb the allele frequency distribution. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 30 Sep. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of frequency distribution was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Frequency distribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frequency%20distribution. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

frequency distribution

noun
: a diagram that shows the frequency of different values of a variable in statistics

More from Merriam-Webster on frequency distribution

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