frequency
noun
fre·quen·cy
ˈfrē-kwən(t)-sē 
plural frequencies
1
: the fact or condition of occurring frequently
the frequency of automobile accidents
2
a
: the number of times that a periodic function repeats the same sequence of values during a unit variation of the independent variable
b
: the number, proportion, or percentage of items in a particular category in a set of data
3
: the number of repetitions of a periodic process in a unit of time: such as
a
: the number of complete alternations (see alternation sense 1) per second of an alternating current
b
: the number of complete oscillations (see oscillation sense 3) per second of energy (such as sound or electromagnetic radiation) in the form of waves
Examples of frequency in a Sentence
the alarming frequency of serious automobile accidents caused by young drivers
The frequency of student errors was frustrating to the young teacher.
Our visits decreased in frequency.
Errors were occurring with increasing frequency.
a sound wave of high frequency
waves having very different frequencies from one another
a current having a frequency of 60 hertz
a radio frequency of 30 megahertz
Recent Examples on the Web
Under the new rules, young graduates — in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM — no longer need backing from a local employer and can enjoy more flexibility in terms for entry frequency and duration of stay.
—
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
That means putting limits on marketing and on the types — and frequency — of gambling — for everyone, not just those already in trouble.
—Karen Brown, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Researchers then sifted through the trail camera photos, identified the animals and analyzed their frequency, temporal patterns and other data.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Plants typically require one deep watering every seven to 10 days; however, several factors impact watering frequency.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frequency
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Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
That means putting limits on marketing and on the types — and frequency — of gambling — for everyone, not just those already in trouble.
—Karen Brown, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Researchers then sifted through the trail camera photos, identified the animals and analyzed their frequency, temporal patterns and other data.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Plants typically require one deep watering every seven to 10 days; however, several factors impact watering frequency.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frequency
Cite this Entry
“Frequency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frequency. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
frequency
noun
fre·quen·cy
ˈfrē-kwən-sē
plural frequencies
1
: the fact or condition of happening often
2
: how often something happens : rate of repetition
3
: the number of repetitions of a periodic process in a unit of time: as
a
: the number of times per second that an electric current flowing in one direction changes direction then changes back
a current having a frequency of 60 hertz
b
: the number of waves (as of sound or electromagnetic energy) that pass a fixed point each second
a sound having a frequency of 1500 hertz
the frequency of yellow light
4
: the number or proportion of one kind of item in a group
the frequency of chocolate doughnuts in the box
Medical Definition
frequency
noun
fre·quen·cy
ˈfrē-kwən-sē
plural frequencies
1
: the number of individuals in a single class when objects are classified according to variations in a set of one or more specified attributes
2
: the number of repetitions of a periodic process in a unit of time
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