average

Pluralaverages

Formsaverages, averaging, averaged

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A single value that represents a set of numbers, usually the arithmetic mean found by dividing their sum by how many there are.

   The teacher calculated the class average by summing every score and dividing by the number of students.

   Monthly rainfall averages help farmers plan their planting.

   UsageCommon in on average and above or below average; you find the average of a set of numbers.

   Similarmean

   Note

   When average appears without qualification, this is usually the figure meant: add the values and divide by how many there are. Mean is its exact synonym in mathematics. The Economist in 2013 explains the $1.25 poverty line as "the average of the 15 poorest countries' own poverty lines," a typical use where one figure stands for several.

2. 2
   mean (of a measure)adjective

   Constituting or relating to the calculated mean of a set of values.

   The report lists the average rainfall for the region over thirty years.

   Engineers used the average load to size the supports.

   UsageUsually before a measured amount: the average temperature for July, the average age of the members.

   Similarmean

3. 3
   typicaladjective

   Typical; representing the common or usual case for the group in question.

   The average commuter spends nearly an hour traveling to work each day.

   An average summer here brings warm days and occasional storms.

   UsageUsually the average + person or thing: the average commuter, the average family, on an average day.

   Similartypical, normal, ordinary, usual, standard

   Oppositeunusual, atypical, exceptional

   Note

   Susan T. Fiske writes of "more average people," and Andy Turnbull argues that exceptionally attractive people are "more average than most." Before a noun naming a person or household, such as the average family or the average commuter, it conjures the typical member of the group.

4. 4
   have a meanverbtransitive

   To have or produce a mean value of something, measured over time or across a population.

   These machines average two thousand units a day across the year.

   Her investments averaged a six percent return over the decade.

   UsageFollowed by the amount, often with a + period: averages thirty points a game, averaged six percent over a decade.

5. 5
   adjective

   Of ordinary or middling quality, neither especially good nor especially bad, often implying rather mediocre.

   She gave an average performance that neither impressed nor disappointed the judges.

   The restaurant serves average food at reasonable prices.

   UsageOften just average or only average, which sounds like mild criticism.

   Similarordinary, mediocre, middling, unremarkable, passable

   Oppositeexceptional, outstanding, remarkable, extraordinary

6. 6
   player ratingnouncountable

   A figure indicating a player's ability, calculated from their scoring record and similar statistics.

   The shortstop finished the season with a batting average just over .300.

   A bowler's average drops as he concedes fewer runs per wicket.

   UsageUsually in compounds: batting average, bowling average.

   Note

   The number is whatever ratio a game uses to rate a player, so it need not reward the same direction everywhere. A batter wants it high, while a bowler counting runs conceded per wicket wants it low. Source

   Checked 2 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

   • Sporting averages can express different ratios calculated from a player's record. acscricket.com
   • A batter benefits from a higher batting average. en.wikipedia.org
   • A cricket bowler's bowling average measures runs conceded per wicket, and lower is better. en.wikipedia.org

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