statistics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

sta·tis·tics | \ stə-ˈti-stiks

How to pronounce statistics (audio)

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Definition of statistics

1 : a branch of mathematics dealing with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of masses of numerical data

2 : a collection of quantitative data

Examples of statistics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Víctor Bonilla, the association's president, said the organization is requesting that the government provide specific statistics about all department employees who have tested positive for the coronavirus. — DÁnica Coto, Star Tribune, "Puerto Rico prepares to reopen schools 1 year after pandemic," 8 Feb. 2021 Data on diversity in the Justice Department is harder to come by because the department does not release statistics on the subject. — Ankush Khardori, The New Republic, "The Justice Department Is Way Too White," 8 Feb. 2021 Coronavirus statistics on weekends often lag due to reporting delays. — Jane Morice | Jmorice@cleveland.com, cleveland, "Ohio reports 2,138 new coronavirus cases, 7 new deaths: Sunday update," 7 Feb. 2021 To take a deeper dive into the state’s coronavirus statistics click here. — John Hilliard, BostonGlobe.com, "Mass. reports 3,378 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 59 new deaths Saturday," 6 Feb. 2021 In 2016, former President Donald Trump won the district, with 55% of the vote to Democratic rival Hillary Clinton’s 39% (2020 presidential statistics for New York aren't yet available.). — Kerry Picket, Washington Examiner, "Tenney wins New York House seat, finishing 2020 election cycle with GOP victory," 5 Feb. 2021 While migration statistics for 2020 have not been released, Texas’ population gains for the year ended last July 1 are a strong indicator that the state continued to be attractive. — Dallas News, "A different kind of surge: Why Texas and D-FW are poised to lead a strong recovery when the pandemic fades," 5 Feb. 2021 Among Wade’s eye-catching statistics through 480 games over five minor-league seasons include a .389 on-base percentage and fewer strikeouts (281) than walks (303). — John Shea, San Francisco Chronicle, "Giants trade for outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr., send Shaun Anderson to Twins," 4 Feb. 2021 When initial statistics in Philadelphia showed that only 12 percent of vaccine recipients were Black, city health officials recoiled. — New York Times, "The Wealthy Are Getting More Vaccinations, Even in Poorer Neighborhoods," 2 Feb. 2021

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

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Dictionary Entries near statistics

statistical variable

Statistics for statistics

Last Updated

14 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Statistics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statistics. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

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