What does average mean?
Average refers most precisely to a single number that represents the typical value within a set of figures — most commonly the arithmetic mean, found by adding all the values together and dividing by how many there are. Beyond mathematics, the word describes anything ordinary or midway between extremes: an average student, average weather, an average day. It functions as a noun ('the national average'), an adjective ('of average height'), and a verb ('the team averages twenty points a game'). In everyday use, 'average' often carries a neutral tone, but describing a person or effort as merely average can suggest unremarkable performance. Because people loosely call any measure of central tendency an average, statisticians distinguish carefully among the mean, the median, and the mode. The word remains one of the most useful tools for summarizing large amounts of information with a single figure.
A number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data, especially the arithmetic mean; also, the ordinary or standard level regarded as typical.
"Temperatures this summer were well above the seasonal average."
In everyday usage, 'average' usually means the arithmetic mean, but in statistics it may refer to the mean, median, or mode.
Constituting the result obtained by calculating the mean of a set of values; of ordinary quality, quantity, or ability; neither especially good nor bad.
"He is an average golfer who plays about once a month."
Applied to people or work, 'average' can imply mediocrity, so context matters.
To calculate the arithmetic mean of a set of numbers; or to amount to, or result in, a specified figure on average over a period of time.
"The bakery averages around two hundred loaves a day."
Often used transitively in business and sports reporting ('she averages 15 points per game').
Used when referring to multiple distinct mean values, typically across different groups, periods, or categories.
"Batting averages varied widely across the league."
The word 'average' comes from shipping law: merchants splitting the cost of lost cargo at sea — so every time you compute an average, you're doing a little maritime insurance math.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of average
Average entered English in the early 16th century from a commercial term used in Mediterranean trade, likely via Middle French avarie, meaning damage or loss to a ship or cargo. Its ultimate source is probably Arabic ʿawāriyya, referring to damaged goods. Originally it denoted the equitable distribution of financial loss from maritime damage among the interested parties — a practice recorded in shipping customs such as the Rolls of Oléron. From this sense of shared apportionment, the word gradually shifted in English to mean an equal distribution per head, giving rise to its modern statistical sense by the mid-18th century.
Related word forms
How average is actually used
In statistics, 'average' is informal shorthand that may refer to the mean, median, or mode; in careful technical writing it is best to specify which measure is intended. As an adjective, 'average' can carry a mildly unflattering connotation of mediocrity when applied to people or performances. The verb form is standard in both British and American English ('prices averaged $200').
Easily confused with average
The median is the middle value when data are ordered, whereas the average (arithmetic mean) is the sum divided by the count; they can differ substantially.