law of averages

noun phrase

: the commonsense observation that probability influences everyday life so that over the long term the possible outcomes of a repeated event occur with specific frequencies

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of law of averages was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near law of averages

Cite this Entry

“Law of averages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/law%20of%20averages. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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