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

The 6-foot-2 Taylor averaged a team-best 15.9 points per game and reached double figures in 29 of UCF’s 33 games. — Roy Parry, orlandosentinel.com, "UCF standout B.J. Taylor thrilled to work out for hometown Magic," 15 June 2019 Ingram, a 21-year-old third-year pro, averaged 18.3 points per game this season but his year was cut short by deep vein thrombosis. — Andrew Lopez, nola.com, "Anthony Davis traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for 3 players, multiple picks," 15 June 2019 Sign up for insight on the Buckeyes in your phone for $3.99 per month. — Tim Bielik, cleveland.com, "Ohio State getting to know Justin Fields more than just as a quarterback," 14 June 2019 Durant led the league with 34.2 points per game in the playoffs before straining his calf in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Rockets. — Matt Schneidman, The Mercury News, "Does Kevin Durant’s injury affect Warriors’ free-agency pursuit?," 14 June 2019 The pair have not commented on their union but Tami Ever After, per the special’s official description, will show their nuptials. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Basketball Wives Star Tami Roman and Reggie Youngblood Get New Spinoff Special Tami Ever After," 13 June 2019 Before injuring his calf during the Warriors' second round series versus the Houston Rockets, Durant had been averaging over 30 points per game in the 2019 playoffs. — Brian Pascus, CBS News, "Warriors star Kevin Durant confirms he ruptured his Achilles tendon," 12 June 2019 The Hardee's Star Pals kids' meals, which include a choice of chicken tenders or a burger, plus an optional side and drink and start at $3.99 per meal, will become available for purchase next week. — Danielle Wiener-bronner, CNN, "First on CNN Business: Hardee's partners with child YouTube star to relaunch kids' meals," 11 June 2019 The service, which will cost $14.99 per month, will give players access to over 100 games, including upcoming releases such as Watch Dogs: Legion, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Rainbow Six Quarantine, and Gods & Monsters. — Chris Morris, Fortune, "Ubisoft Launches Netflix-Like Subscription Gaming Service," 10 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

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

19 Jun 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