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, called 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 to analyze the shape, central tendency, and variability of data sets. They can help identify patterns, such as skewness or the presence of outliers, making them useful in fields like data analysis, research, and quality control.