percentile

[ per-sen-tahyl, -til ]

noun

1. one of the values of a variable that divides the distribution of the variable into 100 groups having equal frequencies:

   Ninety percent of the values lie at or below the ninetieth percentile, ten percent above it.

adjective

1. of or relating to a percentile or a division of a distribution by percentiles.

percentile

/ pəˈsɛntaɪl /

noun

1. one of 99 actual or notional values of a variable dividing its distribution into 100 groups with equal frequencies; the 90th percentile is the value of a variable such that 90% of the relevant population is below that value Also calledcentile

percentile

/ pər-sĕn′tīl′ /

1. Any of the 100 equal parts into which the range of the values of a set of data can be divided in order to show the distribution of those values. The percentile of a given value is determined by the percentage of the values that are smaller than that value. For example, a test score that is higher than 95 percent of the other scores is in the 95th percentile.

Word History and Origins

Origin of percentile¹

First recorded in 1880–85; percent + -ile

Example Sentences

The typical home values come from Zillow’s Home Value Index for all residences and reflect the 35th to 65th percentile.

From Los Angeles Times

The raise elevates them to the 48th percentile.

From Los Angeles Times

The amount of fluoride needed for mothers to go from the 25th to the 75th percentile was 0.68 milligrams per liter.

From Los Angeles Times

As a result of these changes, the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center initially estimated that a family in the 40th to 60th percentile of earners would on average save $930 annually.

From Seattle Times

Under federal law, if a community water system reaches 15 ppb of lead, based on the 90th percentile of samples, certain public health measures must be taken.

From Salon