population density

[ pop-yuh-ley-shuhn den-si-tee ]

noun

, plural pop·u·la·tion den·si·ties.

1. the number of people, or members of a particular plant or animal species, living in a specified unit of area: a measure of how crowded or spread out inhabitants are:

   At the time of this research, the city had a population density of 537 persons per square mile.

   Our free-range chickens are raised without antibiotics and in low population densities, with plenty of room to roam around.

Word History and Origins

Origin of population density¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

In more recent history, population density in cities has gathered pace.

From BBC

One explanation that's been offered is that Trump just wants to have rallies in highly populated areas because he gets bigger crowds simply because of the population density and he just loves those bigger crowds.

From Salon

This area of Florida has a relatively low population density.

From BBC

The affordability, the low population density and the space between homes and properties — often measured in acres — is also enticing for correctional authorities and courts across the state looking to relocate former sex offenders who have been conditionally paroled or recently released.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Jhala and his colleague Dinesh Kumar Sharma conducted a meticulous investigation into the 1996 killings, examining body remains, wolf hair, village hutments, population density, livestock and autopsy reports.

From BBC

Related Words

• anthropology