probability distribution

noun

, Statistics.

1. a distribution of all possible values of a random variable together with an indication of their probabilities.

probability distribution

1. A function of a discrete random variable (that is, a variable whose values are obtained from a finite or countable set) yielding the probability that the variable will have a given value.
2. Also called probability density

Word History and Origins

Origin of probability distribution¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

To find the average value of a continuous variable or expression, you can integrate its probability distribution.

From FiveThirtyEight

The average of a probability distribution is its center of mass.

From FiveThirtyEight

Finding the probability distribution for the largest spacing between values chosen randomly from a uniform distribution is not a new problem.

From FiveThirtyEight

The yellow region shows where the probability distribution is greater, and the blue region shows where it is smaller.

From FiveThirtyEight

Also, you knew that you and your opponent were evenly matched, and you both had the same normal probability distribution of finishing times for each run.

From FiveThirtyEight