statistics

[stuh-tis-tiks]

noun

1. (used with a singular verb),  the science that deals with the collection, classification, analysis, and interpretation of numerical facts or data, and that, by use of mathematical theories of probability, imposes order and regularity on aggregates of more or less disparate elements.

2. (used with a plural verb),  the numerical facts or data themselves.

statistics

/ stəˈtɪstɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as plural) quantitative data on any subject, esp data comparing the distribution of some quantity for different subclasses of the population

   statistics for earnings by different age groups

2. (functioning as singular)

   1. the classification and interpretation of such data in accordance with probability theory and the application of methods such as hypothesis testing to them

   2. the mathematical study of the theoretical nature of such distributions and tests See also descriptive statistics statistical inference

statistics

1. The branch of mathematics that deals with the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data. Statistics is especially useful in drawing general conclusions about a set of data from a sample of the data.

2. Numerical data.

statistics

1. The branch of mathematics dealing with numerical data. (See mean, median, mode, normal distribution curve, sample, standard deviation, and statistical significance.)

A particular problem of statistics is estimating true values of parameters from a sample of data.

Word History and Origins

Origin of statistics¹

First recorded in 1770–80; from German Statistik “political science, statistics,” from New Latin (collēgium) statisticum “(council) of state,” from statisticus “pertaining to state affairs,” and from Italian statista “politician, statesman,” derivative of stato “state,” ultimately from Latin status “constitution, public order”; status, -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of statistics¹

C18 (originally ``science dealing with facts of a state''): via German Statistik , from New Latin statisticus concerning state affairs, from Latin status _state

Example Sentences

SABIO, SHALE: I don’t think those statistics are going to help, Mom.

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Most alarmingly, these statistics indicate that we are currently in the midst of a sixth mass extinction—a mass dying-off of species.

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Barkin said that assessing inflation is especially challenging in the absence of official statistics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This group made up 9.7% of those claiming universal credit in June 2025, according to provisional government statistics published for the first time in July.

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We are still waiting for the Home Office to come up with some detailed statistics on how rights like family life are used in legal challenges.

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Related Words

• data 
• stats www.thesaurus.com