vital statistics

plural noun

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Definition of vital statistics

1 : statistics relating to births, deaths, marriages, health, and disease

2 : facts (such as physical dimensions or quantities) considered to be interesting or important; especially : a woman's bust, waist, and hip measurements

Recent Examples of vital statistics from the Web

Santos, who based his study on vital statistics records from the Puerto Rican government, said the new report goes further by assessing real-world conditions throughout the island.

— amina khan, latimes.com, "Hurricane Maria's death toll was 70 times higher than Puerto Rican officials have reported, study says," 30 May 2018
Since 1989, teams of ornithologists have captured birds mirgrating through the Fort Morgan peninsula, recording the birds' vital statistics, including weight, fat reserves, and feather condition.

— ben raines, AL.com, "Tiny birds, incredible journey," 20 Apr. 2018
Setting it up took almost no effort beyond entering my vital statistics.

— zachary lewis, cleveland.com, "Motiv lowers profile of fitness tracking tech with a sleek, powerful ring: Stretching Out," 18 Apr. 2018
By implementing a Vizru program, her doctor could set up a system that reminds her to take her medication, monitors vital statistics and sends an ambulance if a monitor indicates something is wrong.

— emily bamforth, cleveland.com, "Third group of Cleveland Plug and Play presenters focus on finance, Internet of Things," 1 Mar. 2018
Because of the predominantly catch-and-release nature of muskellunge fisheries, determination of vital statistics such as annual survival and maximum growth potential are critical to managing them, according to the agency.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Conference provides snapshot of Midwest fish and wildlife issues," 3 Feb. 2018
Crew members refused to comment on its top speed or other vital statistics.

— arthur hart, idahostatesman, "Gowen Field had head start on B-17 training before World War II | Idaho Statesman," 17 Feb. 2018
Obama’s three medical reports included sections on vital statistics; physical exam by system, such as eyes, pulmonary and gastrointestinal; lab results; his past medical and surgical history; his social history; and medications, among others.

— Time, "President Trump Gets 'Excellent Health' Report From White House Doctor," 13 Jan. 2018
Obama's three medical reports included sections on vital statistics; physical exam by system, such as eyes, pulmonary and gastrointestinal; lab results; his past medical and surgical history; his social history; and medications, among others.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Republicans in immigrant-rich Florida scramble in wake of Trump's vulgar remark," 13 Jan. 2018

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

First Known Use of vital statistics

circa 1837

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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