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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Stats for Omar Reacts, Julian Reports, and William Reports News mirrored those demographics almost exactly. Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The company has evaluated markets based on demographics, prevailing rents, land costs, accessibility, nearby healthcare and retail, surrounding residential neighborhoods and existing competitive supply. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
And the audience for those games skews young, with more than half of all avid soccer viewers aged 18-to-34, a demographic highly sought by advertisers and one that suggests NBC’s numbers could stay strong for years. Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Students in almost every grade and demographic performed slightly better on their state assessments this year, according to data released today by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 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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