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

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
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Noun
In 2026, 78% of eligible charters earned an A or B grade on their state school report card, compared to 76% of district schools, while serving equally diverse student demographics and providing Florida’s families with innovative school models. — Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Voters are turning out in neighboring Cabarrus County too, where Democrats are hoping shifting demographics and political headwinds for Republicans will create opportunities to gain ground. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Hiring in 2026 has resulted in an uneven demographic shift in the workforce, according to survey estimates analyzed by the Post. — Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026 Experts generally attribute the union’s decline since the 1970s to a combination of leadership decisions, demographic shifts toward a more undocumented workforce and growers adapting to UFW’s organizing tactics. — Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demographic

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of demographic entry 2

Adjective

demography + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demographic was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Demographic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demographic. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Medical Definition

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
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