What does "graph" mean?

1. (data chart) a drawing that uses lines, bars, or curves to show how different sets of numbers or facts are related. 2. (mathematical function) a line or curve drawn on a grid to show the result of a mathematical equation. 3. (network of nodes) a collection of points (nodes) connected by lines (edges). 4. (linguistic unit) the smallest unit of a writing system, like a single letter or character. 5. (to draw a graph) to draw a picture or chart that represents data or a mathematical function.

How do you use "graph"?

Commonly used with verbs like 'show', 'illustrate', or 'plot'. Often used in the context of 'graph theory' or 'social graphs'. This verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as 'data' or 'results'.

graph

n. · v.

US //ˈɡɹæf// UK //ɡɹˈæf// graph

1 data chart (n.)
A2 Elementary

a drawing that uses lines, bars, or curves to show how different sets of numbers or facts are related.

a diagrammatic representation of data, typically illustrating the relationship between two or more variables along axes.

Example

The graph shows that sales increased quickly during the summer months.

Example

The quarterly report included a line graph demonstrating the clear correlation between increased marketing spend and user acquisition.

Usage

Commonly used with verbs like 'show', 'illustrate', or 'plot'.
2 mathematical function (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Math

a line or curve drawn on a grid to show the result of a mathematical equation.

the set of points on a coordinate plane that satisfy a given functional relationship.

Example

We had to draw the graph of the equation for our homework.

Example

Students were asked to identify the points where the graph of the quadratic function intersected the x-axis.
- plot
- curve

Show 3 more sensesShow fewer

3 network of nodes (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Math

a collection of points (nodes) connected by lines (edges).

a mathematical structure consisting of a set of vertices and a set of edges connecting pairs of vertices.

Example

The computer uses a graph to find the shortest path between two cities.

Example

In graph theory, a tree is defined as a connected graph that contains no cycles.

Usage

Often used in the context of 'graph theory' or 'social graphs'.
- network
- lattice
4 linguistic unit (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Linguistics

the smallest unit of a writing system, like a single letter or character.

a visual representation of a grapheme; the physical shape of a character in a writing system.

Example

The researcher studied how the shape of each graph changed over time.

Example

The distinction between a graph and a grapheme is essential for understanding the phonological basis of writing systems.
- character
- glyph
5 to draw a graph (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to draw a picture or chart that represents data or a mathematical function.

to represent a set of data or a mathematical function in the form of a graph.

Example

You can graph the results of your experiment to see the pattern more clearly.

Example

The software allows users to graph complex datasets instantly, providing various options for visual customisation.

Usage

This verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as 'data' or 'results'.

Origin

Clipping of graphic formula. From 1878; verb from 1889.

Word family

Noungraph
Nountelegraph