census

American  

[sen-suhs] / ˈsɛn səs /

noun

plural

censuses

1. an official enumeration of the population, with details as to age, sex or gender, occupation, etc.

2. (in ancient Rome) the registration of citizens and their property, for purposes of taxation.

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verb (used with object)

1. to take a census of (a country, city, etc.).

   The entire nation is censused every 10 years.

census British  

/ ˈsɛnsəs /

noun

1. an official periodic count of a population including such information as sex, age, occupation, etc

2. any offical count

   a traffic census

3. (in ancient Rome) a registration of the population and a property evaluation for purposes of taxation

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Other Word Forms

• censual adjective
• precensus noun

Etymology

Origin of census

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin: “a listing and property assessment of citizens,” equivalent to cēns(ēre) “to assess, register (citizens) in a census” + -tus suffix of verb action; for -s- in place of -st- censor

Example Sentences

For the first time, the census will be conducted digitally, with enumerators using mobile apps to collect and upload data.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

India's transgender population was estimated at nearly 500,000 in the 2011 census, although activists say stigma and underreporting mask the true figure.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Nine out of 10 residents say their city is unsafe, according to census data, more than in any other municipality in Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

It said the funding had been allocated based on census data, reflecting where the greatest need was.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

On everything from official census forms to sworn statements, she put her birth date down as 1893 instead of 1892, and she went on doing this for years.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Related Words

• enumeration
• poll