standard deviation

noun

1
: a measure of the dispersion of a frequency distribution that is the square root of the arithmetic mean of the squares of the deviation of each of the class frequencies from the arithmetic mean of the frequency distribution
also : a similar quantity found by dividing by one less than the number of squares in the sum of squares instead of taking the arithmetic mean
2
: a parameter that indicates the way in which a probability function or a probability density function is centered around its mean and that is equal to the square root of the moment in which the deviation from the mean is squared

Examples of standard deviation 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.
Of the above group of sluggers, Judge, Soto and Stanton all posted average liner authority marks over two full standard deviations above league average. Tony Blengino, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 To observe the frequency distributions of the sentences, the Herald checked central tendency measures like medians, modes and standard deviations. Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 Here are the average breath-hold times (BHT), plus and minus standard deviations, for the five holds: This progression is partly a result of the spleen’s extra red blood cells in action. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024 In 1972 alone Allen was 2.62 standard deviations above league average OBP and 3.36 standard deviations above league average SLG for a total of 5.98. Tony Blengino, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for standard deviation 

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of standard deviation was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near standard deviation

Cite this Entry

“Standard deviation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard%20deviation. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

standard deviation

noun
: the square root of the arithmetic mean of the squares of differences between the arithmetic mean of a frequency distribution and the values of the variable

More from Merriam-Webster on standard deviation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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