demographic

1 of 2

noun

dem·​o·​graph·​ic ˌde-mə-ˈgra-fik How to pronounce demographic (audio)
ˌdē-mə-
1
demographics plural : the statistical characteristics of human populations (such as age or income) used especially to identify markets
a change in the state's demographics
2
business : a market or segment of the population identified by demographics
trying to reach a younger demographic

demographic

2 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly demographical
1
: of or relating to demography or demographics
demographic data
2
sociology : relating to the dynamic balance of a population especially with regard to density (see density sense 2c) and capacity for expansion or decline
demographic trends
a demographic shift
demographically adverb

Did you know?

Demographic analysis, the statistical description of human populations, is a tool used by government agencies, political parties, and manufacturers of consumer goods. Polls conducted on every topic imaginable, from age to toothpaste preference, give the government and corporations an idea of who the public is and what it needs and wants. The government's census, which is conducted every ten years, is the largest demographic survey of all. Today demographic is also being used as a noun; so, for example, TV advertisers are constantly worrying about how to appeal to "the 18-to-24-year-old demographic".

Examples of demographic in a Sentence

Noun The town's demographics suggest that the restaurant will do well there. The newspaper will be making some changes in order to adapt to the region's shifting demographics. The demographics of the disease are changing, and we are seeing much younger people being affected by it. Adjective The demographic information shows that the population increased but the average income went down.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Data can be filtered by school, year and demographics. Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024 The seven swimming pools are designed for different vibes and demographics: The Hideaway is an adults-only infinity pool, with DJ sets and cocktails; another adult pool has an adjacent children’s splash pool. Ceylan Yeğinsu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for demographic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demographic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of demographic entry 2

Adjective

demography + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1966, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demographic was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near demographic

Cite this Entry

“Demographic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demographic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

demographic

adjective
de·​mo·​graph·​ic ˌdē-mə-ˈgraf-ik How to pronounce demographic (audio) ˌdem-ə- How to pronounce demographic (audio)
1
: of or relating to demography
2
: relating to the dynamic balance of a population especially with regard to density and capacity for expansion or decline
demographically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on demographic

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