1
: a single term or datum in a collection of statistics
2
a
: a quantity (such as the mean of a sample) that is computed from a sample
specifically : estimate sense 1b
b
: a random variable that takes on the possible values of a statistic

Examples of statistic in a Sentence

One statistic that stuck out is that 40 percent of those surveyed did not have college degrees.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The latest statistics show there have been 19 deaths and 25 injuries related to subway surfing since 2022, adding the number of arrests has gone up every year, thanks, in part, to the deployment of drone patrols. — Dave Carlin, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026 Advanced statistics aside, the simpler numbers are being held against him. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026 The policy recommendations come forward against the backdrop of two notable statistics revealed by the nonprofit in an August report. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026 However, Ukraine's figures come on the heels of Russian government data that was reportedly hacked from statistics department Rosstat indicating that as many as 450,000 Russian troops have been killed since the war started on February 24, 2022. — Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for statistic

Word History

Etymology

singular of statistics

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of statistic was in 1817

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Statistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statistic. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

statistic

noun
: a single item of information in a statistical collection
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