census

noun

cen·​sus ˈsen(t)-səs 

1

: a count of the population and a property evaluation in early Rome

2

: a usually complete enumeration of a population

specifically : a periodic governmental enumeration of population

According to the latest U.S. census, 20% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin.

3

: count, tally

a census of deer in a game refuge

census transitive verb

Synonyms of census

• count
• tally

Examples of census in a Sentence

According to the latest census, the racial makeup of the town has changed dramatically in the last 50 years.

a thorough census of all the grizzly bears living within the national park

Recent Examples on the Web

In a county that has grown nearly 85% since 2010, according to census data, all five say road congestion and a lack of county infrastructure to meet the demands of rapid growth are their top issues. — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026

Congress added a new definition of rural areas in the OBBBA, so the authors attempted to create a rural indicator using census tract maps and population data. — Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

In one case, the Administration wanted to place a citizenship question on census forms, claiming that this would somehow help protect minorities’ voting rights. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Failing to comply with a direction to complete the census can result in a fine of up to 364 Australian dollars ($257) a day. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin cēnsus, from cēnsēre "to give as an opinion, assess, appraise, perform the duties of a censor" + -tus, suffix of verbal action — more at censor entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing census

• census clause

Rhymes for census

• amanuensis
• melitensis
• consensus

Kids Definition

census

noun

cen·​sus ˈsen(t)-səs 

: a counting of the population (as of a country, city, or town) and a gathering of related statistics done by a government every so often

Legal Definition

census

noun

cen·​sus

: a usually complete count of a population (as of a state)

especially : a periodic governmental count of a population that usually includes social and economic information (as occupations, ages, and incomes)