census

noun

cen·​sus ˈsen(t)-səs 

1

: a count of the population and a property evaluation in early Rome

2

: a usually complete enumeration of a population

specifically : a periodic governmental enumeration of population

According to the latest U.S census, 16% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin.

3

: count, tally

a census of deer in a game refuge

census transitive verb

Synonyms

• count
• tale
• tally

Examples of census in a Sentence

According to the latest census, the racial makeup of the town has changed dramatically in the last 50 years.

a thorough census of all the grizzly bears living within the national park

Recent Examples on the Web

Zoom out: Utah had the highest overall gender wage gap in 2023 ($21,400), while Vermont had the lowest (about $8,500), according to census data. —Melissa Santos, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025

Between 2010 and 2024, Kannapolis’ population grew by about 39%, according to census data. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025

This population decline has been ongoing for years, with census data confirming the trend. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

The last complete census of the state’s bear population was conducted by the University of Connecticut in 2014, and officials have since updated their estimates each year based on their understanding the population’s growth rate. —John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin cēnsus, from cēnsēre "to give as an opinion, assess, appraise, perform the duties of a censor" + -tus, suffix of verbal action — more at censor entry 1

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing census

• census clause

Rhymes for census

• amanuensis
• melitensis
• consensus

Kids Definition

census

noun

cen·​sus ˈsen(t)-səs 

: a counting of the population (as of a country, city, or town) and a gathering of related statistics done by a government every so often

Legal Definition

census

noun

cen·​sus

: a usually complete count of a population (as of a state)

especially : a periodic governmental count of a population that usually includes social and economic information (as occupations, ages, and incomes)