binomial distribution

noun

: a probability function each of whose values gives the probability that an outcome with constant probability of occurrence in a statistical experiment will occur a given number of times in a succession of repetitions of the experiment

Examples of binomial distribution in a Sentence

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.
The expected number of marbles collected in each bottom bin from left to right after all possible paths are traversed once is given by the binomial distribution. Quanta Magazine, 14 Oct. 2019 The Poisson distribution is an easy approximation of the binomial distribution that’s useful when the time interval of interest is a small fraction of the half-life — instances in which binomial calculations quickly become intractable. Quanta Magazine, 27 Jan. 2017 However, in the case of our question, the decay time is very short — on the order of the observation time — and therefore the binomial distribution, which is more accurate, should be used. Quanta Magazine, 27 Jan. 2017 In our case, the clever trick is to realize that the binomial distribution converges to the Gaussian or normal distribution pretty rapidly as the number of trials gets large. Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2015 People can have more than four friends, and having a lot of friends isn’t as unusual as the binomial distribution suggests. Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2018 Peter is occupied with graphs of binomial distributions as well as various odds related to a potential second book deal. Hermione Hoby, New York Times, 1 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of binomial distribution was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near binomial distribution

Cite this Entry

“Binomial distribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binomial%20distribution. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on binomial distribution

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!