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
per instructions
—often used with asas per usual
Using Per as a Preposition: Usage Guide
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
1
period
2
person
1
: throughout : thoroughly
peruse
2
a
: 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
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
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 May 2026
Burke was paid a $311,382 base salary last year, per city payroll records.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
The debate came on a relatively rare Saturday session, which often happens once per year during budget season.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
If protein is a priority, aim for at least 10 grams per serving, says King.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for per
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Preposition
Stargazers in the southern hemisphere could see up to 50 shooting stars crisscrossing the night sky while those in the northern hemisphere will be treated to a more modest showing of between 10-30 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 May 2026
Burke was paid a $311,382 base salary last year, per city payroll records.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
The debate came on a relatively rare Saturday session, which often happens once per year during budget season.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
If protein is a priority, aim for at least 10 grams per serving, says King.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for per
Cite this Entry
“Per.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/per. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Legal Definition
per
preposition
: as stated by
—used to indicate the author of an opinion with which the majority of judges concur
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