noun

histogram

HIS-tuh-gram

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Histogram (noun) means a histogram is a chart that shows numerical data as a series of upright bars, where the size of each bar's area represents how often values in that range occur. Example: “The teacher drew a histogram to show how the class's test scores were spread out.”

noun

A histogram is a chart that shows numerical data as a series of upright bars, where the size of each bar's area represents how often values in that range occur.

"The teacher drew a histogram to show how the class's test scores were spread out."

"A histogram makes it easy to spot which age group appears most often in the survey."

"Unlike a bar chart, a histogram groups continuous data into ranges before plotting it."

How to use histogram

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA histogram is a bar chart that shows how data is spread across different ranges of values.

When to use it

Histogram is a standard term in statistics, maths and data analysis.

Memory tip

Picture the bars of a histogram as counting how many results fall into each range, not as separate labeled categories.

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Common pairings

draw a histogram plot a histogram histogram of the data frequency histogram

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The teacher drew a _____ to show how the class's test scores were spread out.

Etymology

The word likely combines an Ancient Greek term for a mast or upright post with another Greek element meaning something written or drawn, reflecting the upright bars of the chart. It was coined in 1891 by the English mathematician Karl Pearson.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for histogram

program ideogram kilogram hologram monogram sonogram mammogram angiogram reprogram parallelogram electrocardiogram

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Frequently asked questions

What is a histogram used for?

A histogram is used to show how numerical data is distributed by grouping values into ranges and drawing a bar for each range.

Who invented the histogram?

The term was coined in 1891 by the English mathematician Karl Pearson.

How is a histogram different from a bar chart?

A histogram groups continuous numerical data into ranges, while a standard bar chart usually compares separate categories.

What is the meaning of histogram?

"histogram" (noun) means a histogram is a chart that shows numerical data as a series of upright bars, where the size of each bar's area represents how often values in that range occur.