per

preposition

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\ 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 asper 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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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 This is available only on the main 108-megapixel sensor, but for the first time every camera on the Ultra (including the 40-megapixel selfie camera) can shoot at 4K 60 frames per second. — Julian Chokkattu, Wired, "Everything Samsung Announced at Its 2021 'Unpacked' Event," 14 Jan. 2021 The changes would also raise the bike-rack fees required to operate scooters from $75 to $100 per vehicle and eliminate a $25,000 public property repair and maintenance fund requirement, which staff said had not been used. — Mallory Moench, SFChronicle.com, "S.F. to add 500 more scooters while seeking changes to permit program," 14 Jan. 2021 The county sent a letter to the club's manager, Bernd Lembcke, on Wednesday telling him that future violations of the county's coronavirus ordinance could result in fines of up to $15,000 per violation. — Terry Spencer, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club warned over coronavirus mask violations," 14 Jan. 2021 Excluding some one-time gains, Delta's fourth-quarter loss amounted to $2.53 per share. — David Koenig, ajc, "A $12 billion loss for 2020, Delta is cautious in early 2021," 14 Jan. 2021 Republicans have been critical of Northam’s executive orders regarding schools, which have prevented them from offering in-person classes five days per week. — Tyler Arnold, Washington Examiner, "Northam highlights COVID-19 vaccine, education in State of the Commonwealth address," 14 Jan. 2021 This week, Texas began directing vaccine shipments to large hubs that could have the capacity to vaccinate more than 100,000 people per week once enough doses are available. — Evan Macdonald, cleveland, "Ohio’s coronavirus vaccine plan puts the burden on older residents: How does it compare to other state plans?," 14 Jan. 2021 Olsen had alleged that Sarkozy was attempting to force her out of their $29,000-per-month Gramercy Park pad mid-pandemic, leaving her high and dry, per the New York Post. — Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, "Mary-Kate Olsen’s Lawyer Says Divorce Is ‘Resolved’," 13 Jan. 2021 Limited initial doses have been rationed in Minnesota per recommendations from the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. — Jeremy Olson, Star Tribune, "Minnesota's COVID vaccine supply reaches 558K," 13 Jan. 2021 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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Last Updated

20 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Per.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/per. Accessed 27 Jan. 2021.

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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

per

abbreviation

Medical Definition of per (Entry 2 of 2)

1 period; periodic

2 person

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per

preposition

\ ˈpər