normal distribution

noun

: a probability density function that approximates the distribution of many random variables (such as the proportion of outcomes of a particular kind in a large number of independent repetitions of an experiment in which the probabilities remain constant from trial to trial) and that has the form {latex}f(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi\sigma^{2}}}e^{-\frac{(x - \mu)^{2}}{2\sigma^{2}}}{/latex} where μ is the mean and σ is the standard deviation compare normal curve

Examples of normal distribution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

De Moivre figured out the exact shape of this bell, which came to be called the normal distribution. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 Mar. 2026

In equity markets, returns and market capitalization do not follow a normal distribution. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2025

The researchers modeled solar variability using a normal distribution with a mean of 80% of nominal irradiance and a standard deviation of 12% to capture seasonal and diurnal shifts. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Nov. 2025

One of the most common assumptions in data analysis is that the numbers will follow a normal distribution – a central concept in statistics often known as the bell curve. —D. Brian Blank, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for normal distribution

• counterrevolution
• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian
• dilution
• elution
• locution
• pollution
• solution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution