random variable

noun

|Updated on: 30 May 2018

Definition of random variable

: 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

Recent Examples of random variable from the Web

There are too many random variables at play -- including the crazy crowd noise -- to make this a consistently formful race.

— katia porzecanski, Bloomberg.com, "Is Justify Worthy of Hype? Kentucky Derby Q&A With Papadopoulos," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'random variable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.