noun
Common
census
SEHN-suhs
Census (noun) means an official count of a population, usually carried out at regular intervals. Example: “Each household must fill in the census form and return it on time.”
noun
1
An official count of a population, usually carried out at regular intervals.
"Each household must fill in the census form and return it on time."
"The national census is conducted every ten years."
"Census data showed the city's population had grown sharply."
How to use census
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- censuses, censusses
- Third person singular
- censuses, censusses
- Past tense
- censused, censussed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Each household must fill in the _____ form and return it on time.
Etymology
From Latin censere, "to assess or judge" — the same root as censor.
Synonyms
View more →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.
