demography

UK: dɪˈmɒɡrəfi | US: dɪˈmɑːɡrəfi

Definition

  1. n. the statistical study of populations, especially human populations, including their size, structure, and distribution.

Structure
demo <people, from Greek *dēmos*>graphy <writing/study, from Greek *-graphia*>
Etymology

The word demography combines two Greek morphemes: dēmos (people) and -graphia (writing or study). It emerged in the mid-19th century to describe the scientific study of human populations, reflecting the Enlightenment-era focus on quantifying social phenomena. The term retains its original Greek logic—dēmos for the subject (people) and -graphy for the method (systematic study).

Examples

  1. Demography helps governments plan healthcare and education systems.

  2. The professor specializes in urban demography and migration trends.

  3. Recent demography shows a decline in birth rates worldwide.

  4. Demography is essential for understanding aging populations.

  5. The book analyzes the demography of medieval Europe.