moving average

American  

noun

Statistics.

1. one of a succession of averages of data from a time series, where each average is calculated by successively shifting the interval by the same period of time.

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moving average British  

noun

1. statistics (of a sequence of values) a derived sequence of the averages of successive subsequences of a given number of members, often used in time series to even out short-term fluctuations and make a trend clearer

   the 3-term moving average of 4, 6, 8, 7, 9, 8 is 6, 7, 8

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Etymology

Origin of moving average

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

moving average

The trend measure—a six-month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts—declined 1.3% to 244,149 units in August, Canada’s national housing agency said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

Qnity Electronics stock has recaptured its 200-day moving average and could be forming a double bottom, setting up a potential 74% gain.

From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026

Note: 12-month moving average unemployment rate for ages 16+ by education level, comparing each group with its own unemployment history since 2003; October 2025 data interpolated.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026

We will add to this position if VIX closes above its 200-day moving average for two consecutive days.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026

That beats the average loss of 3% seen for September when the S&P 500 begins the month below its 200-day moving average, as illustrated in the chart below.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026