density
noun
den·si·ty
ˈden(t)-sə-tē 
plural densities
1
: the quality or state of being dense
measures of traffic density
the density of the cake
felt that the candidate's density on the subject of equality was alarming
the density of her prose
2
mathematics
: the quantity per unit of volume (see volume entry 1 sense 2), unit of area (see area sense 1), or unit of length: such as
a
chemistry
: the mass (see mass entry 2 sense 1c) of a substance per unit of volume
pure iron has a density of 7.8 grams per cubic centimeter
b
chemistry
: the distribution of a quantity (such as electricity or energy) per unit usually of space (such as length, area, or volume)
The drawback to using ethanol as a complete replacement for gasoline, however, is not only the high cost of its production from cellulose but also its lower energy density.—
John R. Regalbuto
John R. Regalbuto
c
: the average number of individuals or units per unit of space
a population density of 500 per square mile
a housing density of 10 houses per acre
3
physics
a
: the degree of opacity (see opacity sense 2) of a translucent medium
the fog's density
b
: the common logarithm of the opacity
Examples of density in a Sentence
We were surprised by the fog's density.
the density of her writing style
These instruments are used for measuring the density of the atmosphere.
Recent Examples on the Web
Reality check: While the poll shows support for housing density, the issue remains a political hot potato in Nashville.
—Nate Rau, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province, where Ronin was deployed has one of the highest landmine densities in the world following decades of conflict in the 20th century, including heavy bombing by the US during the Vietnam War.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
New motors, new battery The front electric motor has revised electronics and a new pulse inverter, and the rear motor is a new version with a higher density of copper windings and an overall weight reduction of 22 lbs (10 kg).
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
States such as Massachusetts, New York and Maryland boast the highest density of physicians per 100,000 people, while states such as Idaho, Mississippi and Oklahoma rank among those with the lowest.
—Nicole McCann, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for density
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show current usage.
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Nate Rau, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province, where Ronin was deployed has one of the highest landmine densities in the world following decades of conflict in the 20th century, including heavy bombing by the US during the Vietnam War.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
New motors, new battery The front electric motor has revised electronics and a new pulse inverter, and the rear motor is a new version with a higher density of copper windings and an overall weight reduction of 22 lbs (10 kg).
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
States such as Massachusetts, New York and Maryland boast the highest density of physicians per 100,000 people, while states such as Idaho, Mississippi and Oklahoma rank among those with the lowest.
—Nicole McCann, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for density
Cite this Entry
“Density.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/density. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
density
noun
den·si·ty
ˈden(t)-sət-ē
plural densities
1
: the quality or state of being dense
2
: the quantity of something per unit volume, unit area, or unit length: as
a
: the mass of a substance per unit volume
density expressed in grams per cubic centimeter
b
: the average number of individuals or units in a unit of area or volume
a population density of 500 per square mile
Medical Definition
density
noun
den·si·ty
ˈden(t)-sət-ē, -stē
plural densities
1
: the quantity per unit volume, unit area, or unit length: as
a
: the mass of a substance per unit volume
b
: the distribution of a quantity (as mass, electricity, or energy) per unit usually of space
c
: the average number of individuals or units per space unit
a population density of 500 per square mile
2
a
: the degree of opacity of a translucent medium
b
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