bell curve

American  

[bel kurv] / ˈbɛl ˌkɜrv /

noun

Statistics.

1. a frequency curve that resembles the outline of a bell, such as the normal curve.

   The function is balanced, meaning that the distribution of index values typically follows a bell curve, not a flat linear distribution.

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bell curve Scientific  

1. A symmetrical bell-shaped curve that represents the distribution of values, frequencies, or probabilities of a set of data. It slopes downward from a point in the middle corresponding to the mean value, or the maximum probability. Data that reflect the aggregate outcome of large numbers of unrelated events tend to result in bell curve distributions.

2. ◆ The Gaussian or normal distribution is a mathematically well-defined bell curve used in statistics and in science generally.

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Etymology

Origin of bell curve

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“I don’t think it’s reached the top of the bell curve by any means,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

It’s very accessible, even as it elevates people that are out at the end of the bell curve in this particular type of intelligence.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 3, 2023

Here's what I want to tell them: I'm at the bottom of a bell curve.

From Salon • Aug. 26, 2023

Rather than returns that fit into an even bell curve, a few bets wildly outperform the rest, in some cases with one of a firm’s investments outperforming the remainder of its portfolio.

From New York Times • Dec. 29, 2022

Colin saw the Dumper/Dumpee dichotomy on a bell curve.

From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green