Definition of period
1 : the completion of a cycle, a series of events, or a single action : conclusion
2a (1) : an utterance from one full stop to another : sentence (2) : a well-proportioned sentence of several clauses (3) : periodic sentenceb : a musical structure or melodic section usually composed of two or more contrasting or complementary phrases and ending with a cadence
3a : the full pause with which the utterance of a sentence closesb : end, stop
5a (1) : a point . used to mark the end (as of a declarative sentence or an abbreviation) (2) —used interjectionally to emphasize the finality of the preceding statement I don't remember — periodb : a rhythmical unit in Greek verse composed of a series of two or more cola
6a : a portion of time determined by some recurring phenomenonb (1) : the interval of time required for a cyclic motion or phenomenon to complete a cycle and begin to repeat itself (2) : a number k that does not change the value of a periodic function f when added to the independent variable; especially : the smallest such numberc : a single cyclic occurrence of menstruation
7a : a chronological division : stageb : a division of geologic time longer than an epoch and included in an erac : a stage of culture having a definable place in time and space
8a : one of the divisions of the academic dayb : one of the divisions of the playing time of a game
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of period in a Sentence
We have had two power failures in a five-month period.
The period between Christmas and New Year's Eve is a very busy one for us.
We are studying our country's colonial period.
Children go through many changes during the period of adolescence.
Recent Examples of period from the Web
-
There’s a unique need for a very short period of time to ensure informed consent to this procedure is genuine and valid.
-
While home construction through May remained 3.2 percent higher in the same period last year, the slowdown in the pace of construction could limit sales.
-
WATCH: Top 10 Southern Movie One-Liners The new musical boasts completely reimagined musical numbers in addition to a different time period from the original, Depression-era London.
-
To encourage continuous coverage, the GOP plan installs a six-month waiting period for anyone with a two-month gap in coverage.
-
Landis is credited with shepherding his organization through a period of explosive growth.
-
Despite going through a period of downsizing during the Great Depression, the brand was able to rebound by capitalizing on America's efforts to rebuild after a devastating war and economic crash.
-
Nearly $300,000 was raised over a two-year period to have the monument built.
-
A new period of genuine reform followed with police chief William Bratton and his successor, current chief Charlie Beck.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'period.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of period
Middle English periode, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin, Latin, & Greek; Medieval Latin periodus period of time, punctuation mark, from Latin & Greek; Latin, rhetorical period, from Greek periodos circuit, period of time, rhetorical period, from peri- + hodos way
Synonym Discussion of period
period
Definition of period
: of, relating to, or representing a particular historical period period furniture period costumes
First Known Use of period
1905
PERIOD Defined for English Language Learners
period
playDefinition of period for English Language Learners
-
: a length of time during which a series of events or an action takes place or is completed
-
: a length of time that is very important in the history of the world, a nation, etc.
-
: a time that is very important in the life of a person
period
Definition of period for English Language Learners
-
: of, relating to, or typical of a particular time in history
PERIOD Defined for Kids
period
playDefinition of period for Students
1 : a punctuation mark . used chiefly to mark the end of a declarative sentence or an abbreviation
2 : a portion of time set apart by some quality a period of cool weather
3 : a portion of time that forms a stage in history the colonial period
4 : one of the divisions of a school day I have math second period.
5 : a single occurrence of menstruation
Medical Dictionary
period
playMedical Definition of period
1a: a portion of time determined by some recurring phenomenonb: a single cyclic occurrence of menstruation
2: a chronological division the period of incubation of a disease
Learn More about period
-
See words that rhyme with period Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for period Spanish Central: Translation of period Nglish: Translation of period for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of period for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about period
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up period? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!