A histogram is a type of bar graph that represents the distribution of numerical data. It displays the frequency of data points within specified ranges, known as bins. Each bar's height indicates how many data points fall within that range, allowing for a visual interpretation of the data's distribution. Histograms are commonly used in statistics and data analysis to identify patterns, trends, and outliers in datasets. They help in understanding the shape of the data distribution, such as whether it is normal, skewed, or has multiple peaks, which can inform further analysis and decision-making.