English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Common

census

SEHN-suhs

Census (noun) means an official count of a population, usually carried out at regular intervals. Example: “The national census is conducted every ten years.”

noun
1
An official count of a population, usually carried out at regular intervals.
"The national census is conducted every ten years."
"Census data showed the city's population had grown sharply."

How to Use Census

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn official headcount of everyone living in a country or area, done at set intervals.

Common pairings
take a census census data census results

Word Forms

censused past tense, censussed past tense, censuses plural, censusses plural, census plural, censuses singular, censusses singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “census” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The national _____ is conducted every ten years.

Etymology

From Latin censere, "to assess or judge" — the same root as censor.

Origin: Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for census

See all rhymes for census →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “census” mean?

The word “census” means an official count of a population, usually carried out at regular intervals. In plain terms, an official headcount of everyone living in a country or area, done at set intervals.

How do you pronounce “census”?

“Census” is pronounced SEHN-suhs (/ˈsɛnsəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “census” in a sentence?

Here is “census” used in a sentence: “The national census is conducted every ten years.”

What part of speech is “census”?

“Census” is a noun.

Where does the word “census” come from?

The word “census” comes from Latin. From Latin censere, "to assess or judge" — the same root as censor.

Is “census” a common word?

“Census” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between a census and a survey?

A census attempts to count every member of a population, giving a complete official record. A survey usually gathers data from only a sample of the population and then draws conclusions about the whole, making it faster but less comprehensive.

What is the difference between a census and a poll?

A census is a complete official count of a population. A poll samples the views of a limited number of people to estimate opinion, so a poll measures attitudes while a census measures actual numbers.

How often is a census usually carried out?

A census is conducted at regular intervals, and in many countries it takes place every ten years. The exact frequency varies from one nation to another.

What is the plural of census?

The plural of census is 'censuses.' The Latin-style form 'censi' is incorrect in English.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial