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.
This is half of what Maura wants people to understand; that there are people behind the statistics, that there are children who have grown up without a father and spouses who saw their life upended, never to be righted again. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Elevating this pointless statistic to the level of a national emergency never made any sense. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2026 These chatbots are powered by large language models, AI systems that generate responses by using advanced statistics and troves of text, including sacred ones like Hinduism's Bhagavad Gita. ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Those statistics are compelling, and so are signs that the current doctor shortage is a nationwide crisis. Marj Halperin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

statistic

noun
: a single item of information in a statistical collection
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