vital statistics

American  

plural noun

1. statistics concerning human life or the conditions affecting human life and the maintenance of population.

2. Facetious. the measurements of a woman's figure, especially the bust, waist, and hips.

---

vital statistics British  

plural noun

1. quantitative data concerning human life or the conditions and aspects affecting it, such as the death rate

2. informal the measurements of a woman's bust, waist, and hips

---

Etymology

Origin of vital statistics

1830–40; 1940–45 vital statistics for def. 2

Example Sentences

And states employ a variety of mechanisms to verify voters’ identities against databases such as the Social Security Administration, state departments of motor vehicles, state bureaus of vital statistics or health departments, and the U.S.

From Slate • Nov. 4, 2024

He repeatedly revisits his study sites, and, like a doctor taking vital statistics, records signs of both life and death, entering data into a field computer.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 17, 2023

In many states, vital statistics agencies send them monthly lists of people who have died, which officials use to update voter registration files.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2022

Head of zoological operations, Matthew Webb, said it ensured vital statistics were accurate and up-to-date.

From BBC • Aug. 23, 2022

Over the green-and-white fields, printed in red, were vital statistics.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor