phase

1 of 2

noun

1
: a particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes
phases of the moon
2
a
: a distinguishable part in a course, development, or cycle
the early phases of her career
b
: an aspect or part (as of a problem) under consideration
3
: the point or stage in a period of uniform circular motion, harmonic motion, or the periodic changes of any magnitude varying according to a simple harmonic law to which the rotation, oscillation, or variation has advanced from its standard position or assumed instant of starting
4
: a homogeneous, physically distinct, and mechanically separable portion of matter present in a nonhomogeneous physicochemical system
5
: an individual or subgroup distinguishably different in appearance or behavior from the norm of the group to which it belongs
also : the distinguishing peculiarity
phasic adjective

phase

2 of 2

verb

phased; phasing

transitive verb

1
: to adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition
2
: to conduct or carry out by planned phases
3
: to introduce in stages
usually used with in
phase in new models
Phrases
in phase
: in a synchronized or correlated manner
out of phase
: in an unsynchronized manner : not in correlation

Did you know?

Phase and Faze

Phase and faze are homophones (words pronounced alike but different in meaning, derivation, or spelling) that may easily be confused. Despite the similarity in pronunciation, these words bear little semantic resemblance to one another.

Although phase can function as a verb – it is found especially in combinations such as phase out, phase in, and phase into, meaning “to end, begin, etc. in phases” – the word is most commonly encountered as a noun, in which it typically carries a meaning related to steps in a process, cycles, or stages of development (as in “phases of the moon”).

Faze is generally used only as a verb, and means “to daunt or disconcert.” It often appears in negative expressions such as “it didn’t faze her a bit” or “nothing fazes him.”

Examples of phase in a Sentence

Noun The project will be done in three phases. He's in the final phase of treatment now. The building project marks a new phase in the town's development. He has been throwing tantrums a lot, but the doctor says it's just a phase. a calendar based on the phases of the moon
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The first came in August, when he was given the chance to face a new penalty phase trial after his death penalty sentence was overturned by the California Supreme Court, which cited jury selection errors by the trial judge. Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Wauwatosa officials approved the apartment's financing by $58 million in Wauwatosa tax incremental financing funds last year, and the first phase of construction, which will create 463 units, is expected to begin by mid-2025. Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2024 That strategy is set to change with the second phase strategy this year. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 The 2nd phase is a testament to the demand Wolf Run has garnered, an affirmation that this community is not just a place to live but a destination to call home. Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2024 Earlier this month, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced in a news release major closures that'll give way for two phases of an upcoming construction project on Ohio 562. The Enquirer, 3 Mar. 2024 Five rec centers have been chosen as priorities for phase one implementation: Dolores Magdaleno Memorial in Logan Heights, Encanto, Linda Vista and either Mountain View or Southcrest. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024 The United States and its negotiating partners, Qatar and Egypt, have also envisioned a second cease-fire phase that would lead to the release of remaining hostages, including Israeli soldiers, and a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Dan Lamothe, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024 Here’s how to complete this crucial phase: Documentation of Professional Experience Compile Documentation: Gather detailed records of your professional experience in management accounting or financial management. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024
Verb
Sweden surprised many with its announcement this past summer to reinvest in nuclear power, effectively reversing its decision decades ago to phase it out. Kristen Walker, National Review, 5 Feb. 2024 Time spent hanging out in the Whites will acquaint you with more of their charms, such as the spectacular displays of meteor showers and stars, constellations and moon phases the night skies bestow – unimpaired by any glow from surrounding towns, since there are so few. Paul McHugh, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 The cold did not phase visiting NFL players from Pittsburgh and Green Bay, where the mercury hovered between 17 and 20 degrees. Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2024 The drug has moved on to phase 3 for chronic graft-versus-host disease despite failing in trials for the acute form of the condition. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2024 If the mission went according to plan, the Peregrine lander would complete two long phasing loops around Earth before intercepting the Moon and entering lunar orbit in late January. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 8 Jan. 2024 Currently, phase one of the plant operates with 3,000 employees. Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2023 Scheduled to start in early 2025, the renovation will be phased and will encompass upgrades to public areas, including lobbies, pool areas, spa, fitness center and residence corridors. Roger Sands, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 Leavitt and Hubbard, both carrying backpacks weighing around 25 pounds, didn’t seem too phased. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin phasis, from Greek, appearance of a star, phase of the moon, from phainein to show (middle voice, to appear) — more at fancy

First Known Use

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phase was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near phase

Cite this Entry

“Phase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phase. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

phase

1 of 2 noun
1
: a particular appearance or state in a repeating series of changes
phases of the moon
2
: a step or part in a series of events or actions : stage
3
: a particular part or feature (as of an activity, situation, or a subject being considered) : aspect
4
: a physically different portion or kind of matter present in a mixed system
the three phases ice, water, and steam

phase

2 of 2 verb
phased; phasing
1
: to do in steps according to a plan
2
: to introduce in stages
usually used with in
phase in new models

Medical Definition

phase

noun
1
: a particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes
2
: a distinguishable part in a course, development, or cycle
the early phases of a disease
3
: a point or stage in the period of a periodic motion or process (as a light wave or a vibration) in relation to an arbitrary reference or starting point in the period
4
: a homogeneous, physically distinct, and mechanically separable portion of matter present in a nonhomogeneous physicochemical system
especially : one of the fundamental states of matter usually considered to include the solid, liquid, and gaseous forms
5
: an individual or subgroup distinguishably different in appearance or behavior from the norm of the group to which it belongs
also : the distinguishing peculiarity

More from Merriam-Webster on phase

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