Venn diagram

American  

[ven] / vɛn /

noun

Mathematics, Symbolic Logic.

1. a diagram that uses circles to represent sets and their relationships.

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Venn diagram British  

/ vɛn /

noun

1. maths logic a diagram in which mathematical sets or terms of a categorial statement are represented by overlapping circles within a boundary representing the universal set, so that all possible combinations of the relevant properties are represented by the various distinct areas in the diagram

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Venn diagram Scientific  

/ vĕn /

1. A diagram that uses circles to represent sets, in which the relations between the sets are indicated by the arrangement of the circles. For example, drawing one circle within another indicates that the set represented by the first circle is a subset of the second set. The Venn diagram is named after its inventor, British mathematician John Venn (1834–1923).

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Etymology

Origin of Venn diagram

1940–45; named after John Venn (1834–1923), English logician

Example Sentences

If you think of the decisions of political leaders like a Venn diagram, often those circles don't do a lot of overlapping.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

“Sexistential” presents both sides of a modern mother’s Venn diagram, with Robyn gyrating in its overlapping middle, inviting us to her party.

From Salon • Jan. 10, 2026

At the center of the Venn diagram of people who love technology and love to handwrite everything, there’s ReMarkable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

“It felt like a Venn diagram of everything I’ve worked for over the past 20 years,” said Newman, who has yet to speak to Abrego Garcia.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2025

Like, if you want to see the common characteristics between mammals, reptiles, and fish, for instance, you draw a Venn diagram and list all the attributes of each one inside a circle.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio