Definition of DEMOGRAPHIC (original) (raw)
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
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
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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
First, the demographic of luxury buyers is diversifying. —
Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2024 As the demographics of the world continue to shift, the ability to connect with and serve diverse communities will be a key differentiator for businesses. —John Hope Bryant, TIME, 20 Sep. 2024
The surge in high-value cryptocurrency transactions in the luxury market is partly driven by a demographic shift. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2024 The Economic Imperative The urgency of investment in longevity research becomes clear when considering the demographic shifts on the horizon. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 19 Sep. 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
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
Dictionary Entries Near demographic
Cite this Entry
“Demographic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demographic. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 24 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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