per

preposition

\ ˈpər

Definition of per

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : by the means or agency of : through per bearer

2 : with respect to every member of a specified group : for each

3 : according to —often used with as per instructionsas per usual

per

adverb

Definition of per (Entry 2 of 4)

: for each : apiece a bargain at $3.50 per

per

abbreviation

Definition of per (Entry 3 of 4)

1 period

2 person

per-

prefix

Definition of per- (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : throughout : thoroughly peruse

2a : containing the largest possible or a relatively large proportion of a (specified) chemical element perchloroethylene

b : containing an element in its highest or a high oxidation state perchloric acid

Synonyms Using Per as a Preposition: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about per

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Synonyms for per

Synonyms: Preposition

by, in, through, via, with

Synonyms: Adverb

all, apiece, each, per capita

Using Per as a Preposition: Usage Guide

Preposition

Per occurs most frequently in business contexts; its use outside such contexts is often criticized but is quite widespread, especially in sense 2. Its most common and natural nonbusiness uses always involve figures, usually in relation to price $150 per performance , automobiles 32 miles per gallon 55 miles per hour , or sports. averages 15 points and 9 rebounds per game

Examples of per in a Sentence

Preposition

The speed limit is 35 miles per hour. The car gets 32 miles per gallon. He averages 15 points per game. Per your advice, I accepted their offer.

Adverb

you can have them at 50 cents per or three for $1.25

Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition

Some meager respite is provided, per the title, at a horse farm that employs Ursula's current boyfriend, Rob (Anthony Welsh), whom Arm, despite a number of TKO glares, slowly comes to respect. — Keith Uhlich, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Calm with Horses': Film Review | TIFF 2019," 7 Sep. 2019 The Spartans held All-MAC first-team running back LeVante Bellamy to 44 yards on 15 attempts, a 2.9 per-carry average, and sacked Jon Wassink three times. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State football grades: Hard to complain in easy win over Western Michigan," 8 Sep. 2019 The fuel injection system runs at 36,250 psi, with nine-hole injectors delivering fuel up to 10 times per combustion cycle. — Ezra Dyer, Popular Mechanics, "The 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Offers a Tough Choice: Gas or Diesel?," 8 Sep. 2019 The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass. — Mike Bohn, MMA Junkie, "Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal to headline UFC 244 in New York," 7 Sep. 2019 Cost is $90 per player, and the deadline to register is Sept. 12. — baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Rec Sports: Golf Outings for Sept. 8, 2019," 7 Sep. 2019 The event’s sponsor, Friends of Shoseian, is requesting a $20 per-person donation for this event. — Katherine Yamada, Glendale News-Press, "Verdugo Views: Charlie Chaplin’s time filming ‘The Circus’ had comedic moments of its own," 5 Sep. 2019 At the same time, researchers have found that, more broadly, tariffs will result in higher US consumer prices and a $7.8 billion-per-year decline in income. — David A. Andelman For Cnn Business Perspectives, CNN, "The trade war hasn't hit its peak yet. The US and China will both pay a heavy price," 4 Sep. 2019 The $15 million-per-year average on the extension surpasses the $14.4 million Todd Gurley got from the Los Angeles Rams last summer. — Schuyler Dixon, Houston Chronicle, "Source: Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott end holdout, agree on deal," 4 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

Senior libero/setter Cassidy Donalson represented Spring Woods on the watch list after averaging a team-high 4.3 digs per set as a junior. — Jack Marrion, Houston Chronicle, "SBISD players recognized on District 17-6A baseball team," 1 July 2019 That’s helped bring per-pound retail prices for beef patties down 16% from their September 2015 high of $5.12 to about $4.31 in June, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. — Jacob Bunge, WSJ, "Chicken, Turkey and Tuna Have a Beef With Your Burger," 30 June 2018 Anderton, the Collierville, Tennessee, native averaged 11.78 assists per set and 2.00 digs per set as Samford improved to 6-6 in SoCon play. — Samford Athletics, AL.com, "Samford volleyball preps for two key home matches this weekend," 2 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'per.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for per

Last Updated

11 Sep 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for per

The first known use of per was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for per

per

preposition

English Language Learners Definition of per

: for each

somewhat formal : as directed by or stated in

See the full definition for per in the English Language Learners Dictionary

per

preposition

\ ˈpər

Kids Definition of per

1 : to or for each It cost us ten dollars per day.

2 : as directed by Construction was done per instructions.

per

preposition

\ ˈpər

Medical Definition of per

(Entry 1 of 2)

: by the means or agency of : by way of : through enter through the mouth lining and per the bloodstream to the stomach — Sydney (Australia) Bulletin blood per rectum — see per os