population density

American  

[pop-yuh-ley-shuhn den-si-tee] / ˌpɒp yəˈleɪ ʃən ˌdɛn sɪ ti /

noun

population densities plural

1. the number of people, or members of a particular plant or animal species, living in a specified unit of area: a measure of how crowded or spread out inhabitants are.

   At the time of this research, the city had a population density of 537 persons per square mile.

   Our free-range chickens are raised without antibiotics and in low population densities, with plenty of room to roam around.

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Etymology

Origin of population density

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Much of “The Powerful Primate” concerns how ancient humanity learned to make tools and fire, allowing big increases in population density.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

The analysis showed that wood smoke pollution is especially harmful in urban and suburban areas, where population density, emissions patterns, and atmospheric movement combine to increase exposure.

From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2026

Once a hot spot for western film sets, Chatsworth now serves as a suburban retreat for those seeking space, with relatively low population density compared with other San Fernando Valley neighborhoods.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026

The city's population density is more than 7,100 people per square kilometre of land, on par with packed metropolises like Tokyo.

From Barron's • Nov. 27, 2025

A political unit’s population size interacted with its population density to influence Polynesian technology and economic, social, and political organization.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• anthropology