probability
noun
prob·a·bil·i·ty
ˌprä-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
plural probabilities
1
a(1)
: the chance that a given event will occur
(2)
: the ratio of the number of outcomes in an exhaustive set of equally likely outcomes that produce a given event to the total number of possible outcomes
b
: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of probabilities
2
: something (such as an event or circumstance) that is probable
3
: the quality or state of being probable
4
: a logical relation between statements such that evidence confirming one confirms the other to some degree
Examples of probability in a Sentence
There is a low probability that you will be chosen.
There is some probability of rain tomorrow.
With the dark clouds moving in, rain seems more like a probability than a possibility.
The probability of a coin coming up heads is one out of every two tries.
Recent Examples on the Web
Linear algebra, calculus, and probabilities form the basis of most AI algorithms.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 15 Jan. 2026
The central bank’s monthly Survey of Consumer Expectations found that Americans’ perceived probability of missing a minimum debt payment in the coming months rose to the highest level since April 2020.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
Viewers were also put off by on-screen graphics featuring data from the prediction market app Polymarket showing the win probability of the nominees ahead of their categories.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Not only that, House knows all about the assassination plot, thanks to his propensity for running probability odds.
—Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for probability
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IEEE Spectrum, 15 Jan. 2026
The central bank’s monthly Survey of Consumer Expectations found that Americans’ perceived probability of missing a minimum debt payment in the coming months rose to the highest level since April 2020.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
Viewers were also put off by on-screen graphics featuring data from the prediction market app Polymarket showing the win probability of the nominees ahead of their categories.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Not only that, House knows all about the assassination plot, thanks to his propensity for running probability odds.
—Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for probability
Cite this Entry
“Probability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probability. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
probability
noun
prob·a·bil·i·ty
ˌpräb-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural probabilities
1
: the quality or state of being probable
2
: something probable
3
a
: a measure of how often a particular event will happen if something which results in any of a number of possible events is done repeatedly
the probability of a coin coming up heads is ½
b
: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of probabilities
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