time series

American  

noun

1. a set of observations, results, or other data obtained over a period of time, usually at regular intervals.

   Monthly sales figures, quarterly inventory data, and daily bank balances are all time series.

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time series British  

noun

1. statistics a series of values of a variable taken in successive periods of time

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Etymology

Origin of time series

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

This was a drop of 1.8 and 2.5 years compared with the 2019 to 2021 period, and the lowest level since the time series began in 2011 to 2013.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

“It is the longest-running time series that we have on politics, and it allows us to compare presidential performance across presidents and political eras.”

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2026

While the authors did use a type of statistical modeling called an interrupted time series, which in theory allows us to make causal claims here, in practice it’s a bit more complicated.

From Slate • Dec. 3, 2025

The drama made its debut on London Weekend Television in 1971 and became a major prime time series hit for PBS in 1974 when it was imported for U.S. audiences.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2025

Lucas formulated an ingenious theoretical model which generates time series such that inflation and employment indeed seem to be positively correlated.

From Definition & Reality in the General Theory of Political Economy by Colignatus, Thomas