random variable
noun
: a variable that is itself a function of the result of a statistical experiment in which each outcome has a definite probability of occurrence
called also variate
Examples of random variable in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Or, mathematically, what is the measure associated with that random variable?
—
Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 12 June 2025
While there are many modern techniques for random number and random variable generation, the agentic AI space may now be at a perfect time to visit Monte Carlo.
—Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
From there, the robots would spend some time 'thinking' about the problem, effectively running millions of different simulations of the task while adding random variables and starting points, grading their own performance each time according to their own understanding of success and failure modes.
—New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2024
Planetary formation involves a lot of random variables that affect how a planet forms and evolves over time.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 7 Feb. 2024
In essence, a random variable that is outside the norm will tend to converge to the norm.
—Dr. Paul Wendee, Forbes, 4 May 2023
The number also appears in bell curves, which are found in statistics about random variables that add up.
—Kat Friedrich, Popular Mechanics, 16 Mar. 2023
Mathematicians say this stability may be explained by Poisson’s random variable, a principle of probability theory that holds that the number of independent, uncommon events in a large population will remain fairly stagnant absent major societal changes.
—Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2022
Statistical significance is a random variable too.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2011
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 12 June 2025
While there are many modern techniques for random number and random variable generation, the agentic AI space may now be at a perfect time to visit Monte Carlo.
—Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
From there, the robots would spend some time 'thinking' about the problem, effectively running millions of different simulations of the task while adding random variables and starting points, grading their own performance each time according to their own understanding of success and failure modes.
—New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2024
Planetary formation involves a lot of random variables that affect how a planet forms and evolves over time.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 7 Feb. 2024
In essence, a random variable that is outside the norm will tend to converge to the norm.
—Dr. Paul Wendee, Forbes, 4 May 2023
The number also appears in bell curves, which are found in statistics about random variables that add up.
—Kat Friedrich, Popular Mechanics, 16 Mar. 2023
Mathematicians say this stability may be explained by Poisson’s random variable, a principle of probability theory that holds that the number of independent, uncommon events in a large population will remain fairly stagnant absent major societal changes.
—Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2022
Statistical significance is a random variable too.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2011
Cite this Entry
“Random variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/random%20variable. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share