Meaning & Definition of word "Census"

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    Census

    /ˈsɛn.səs/

    noun:

    • 1. An official process of counting the population, typically including the collection of demographic data.
      • Example: The census was conducted every ten years to gather accurate population data.
    • 2. A survey or count of a specific group or entity.
      • Example: The school district performed a census of all the students enrolled in the district.
    • 3. A systematic enumeration or survey of a population, often used for political representation or resource allocation.
      • Example: Results from the census are crucial for determining the number of congressional seats each state receives.
    • 4. The act of taking a census.
      • Example: The government announced the date for the next national census.

    Etymology

    Latin 'census', meaning 'tax, assessment'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    Census Bureau:

    The U.S. agency that collects and publishes data about the population.

    Decennial census:

    A census conducted every ten years.

    Population census:

    A census that counts the entire population of a given area.

    Related Words

    enumeration:

    The act of counting or listing items, often in a systematic way.

    demography:

    The statistical study of populations, including the structure, distribution, and trends in population.

    Slang Meanings of census

    Meaning: Count or tally of people in a casual context.

    Example Sentence: Let's do a quick census of how many friends are coming to the party.

    Meaning: Figurative use to describe any group assessment.

    Example Sentence: She ran a census on who preferred pizza over burgers.