What does median mean?
A median is the value or position that lies in the middle of something. In statistics, it is the middle observation when a set of numbers is arranged from smallest to largest, making it a useful measure of a typical value that is less affected by unusually high or low results. For example, the median household income represents the midpoint between lower and higher incomes rather than being pulled upward by the wealthiest households. Outside statistics, median describes anything central, such as a dividing line, plane, or anatomical structure. The word is related to the Latin medius, meaning “middle,” and is cognate with words such as medium and immediate. Although median is sometimes used loosely as a synonym for average, a statistical mean is a different calculation, and distinguishing the two can reveal important patterns in data.
The middle value in an ordered set of numbers, or a central point or line.
"The median of the data is 42."
When used as a statistical noun, median refers specifically to the middle observation, not the arithmetic mean.
Relating to or situated in the middle; central.
"The report compares the median incomes of the two regions."
Common in statistical, geometric, and anatomical descriptions.
The standard plural of median used as a noun.
"The medians for the three groups were nearly identical."
The median is the number that refuses to be pulled around by a few extreme values: even if one person earns a fortune, the middle income can stay unchanged.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does median come from?
The English word median comes from Latin medianus, an adjective meaning “of or in the middle,” derived from medius, “middle.” It entered English in the early 17th century and was initially used in geometry and anatomy for a central line or position. Its major statistical sense, the middle value in an ordered set, developed during the 19th century. Related English words include medium, from Latin medius, and immediate, from Latin immedius, “without anything between.”
Related word forms
How median is actually used
In statistical contexts, median is standard in both British and American English. It is often confused with mean or average, but the three terms describe different concepts. As an adjective, median can describe a value, line, plane, or anatomical feature.
Easily confused with median
The median is the middle value after the data are ordered, whereas the mean is the arithmetic average obtained by adding the values and dividing by their number.
In general use, average can mean typical or ordinary; in statistics, it may refer to the mean, while median specifically means the middle value of an ordered set.