period

noun

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pe·ri·od | \ ˈpir-ē-əd

Definition of period

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 sentence

b : 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 closes

b : end, stop

4 obsolete : goal, purpose

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—period

b : a rhythmical unit in Greek verse composed of a series of two or more cola

6a : a portion of time determined by some recurring phenomenon

b(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 number

c : a single cyclic occurrence of menstruation

7a : a chronological division : stage

b : a division of geologic time longer than an epoch and included in an era

c : a stage of culture having a definable place in time and space

8a : one of the divisions of the academic day

b : one of the divisions of the playing time of a game

period

adjective

Definition of period (Entry 2 of 2)

: of, relating to, or representing a particular historical period period furniture period costumes

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about period

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Synonyms for period

Synonyms: Noun

Choose the Right Synonym for period

Noun

period, epoch, era, age mean a division of time. period may designate an extent of time of any length. periods of economic prosperity epoch applies to a period begun or set off by some significant or striking quality, change, or series of events. the steam engine marked a new epoch in industry era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things. the era of global communications age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature. the age of Samuel Johnson

Examples of period in a Sentence

Noun 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 on the Web: Noun The game was tied twice in the third period before baskets by Breland Orange and McKinney gave the Vikings a four-point lead. — Ben Thomas | Bthomas@al.com, al, "Saturday area tournament highlights, scores: MGM, Fairhope, Hoover among 7A winners," 14 Feb. 2021 Zach Whitecloud scored at 16:04 in the third period to stave off an Anaheim comeback attempt in Vegas. — Chronicle News Services, San Francisco Chronicle, "Joseph, Stamkos pace streaking Lightning," 9 Feb. 2021 O'Reilly's scored his first goal on a power play 6:31 into the first period. — David Solomon, Star Tribune, "Coyotes tie game in final second, beat Blues 4-3 in shootout," 8 Feb. 2021 The political uncertainty has sowed feelings of dread, with fears that street demonstrations in coming days will turn violent and that a refusal by Moïse to leave office will plunge the country into a long period of unrest. — BostonGlobe.com, "Haiti braces for unrest as president refuses to step down," 7 Feb. 2021 But officials have expressed concern that Super Bowl gatherings Sunday could undo that progress and propel the region into an even more dangerous period in the pandemic. — Andres Picon, San Antonio Express-News, "San Antonio reports 3 new COVID deaths on Super Bowl Sunday," 7 Feb. 2021 Klingberg’s goal 5:27 into the second period tied the score, setting the stage for Dickinson’s game-winner in overtime. — Matthew Defranks, Dallas News, "Jason Dickinson hits game-winning goal in OT to lead undermanned Stars past Red Wings," 26 Jan. 2021 Eventually the lead grew to 33-24 with 3:22 remaining in the third period, but Stow finished on an 18-3 run. — cleveland, "Surging Stow stretches win streak to nine with 42-36 girls basketball victory over Aurora," 23 Jan. 2021 Crawford scored the first basket of the second overtime, and Phillips followed with a three-point play, staking the Eagles to a 54-48 lead 1:44 into the extra period. — Darrell Williams, NOLA.com, "Shaw's big three come up big in double-overtime win over Country Day," 22 Jan. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Season 4 of Netflix's The Crown takes the multi-period historical drama about Queen Elizabeth II's reign over the United Kingdom into the 1980s, including one of the weirdest wars of a violent decade. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Here's What Really Happened in the Falklands War," 4 Dec. 2020 Later, in the second quarter, officials talked with both coaches during the mid-period hydration timeout. — Chris Dabe, NOLA.com, "Destrehan rides four second-half touchdowns to beat East St. John, move into district 7-5A lead," 30 Oct. 2020 Buyers can opt for a variety of non-period modifications. — Mike Duff, Car and Driver, "A Legend Revived: GTO Engineering's Ferrari 250 GT SWB Competizione Replica," 8 Sep. 2020

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.

History and Etymology for period

Noun

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

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Last Updated

20 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Period.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/period. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for period

period

noun

English Language Learners Definition of period

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of period (Entry 2 of 2)

: of, relating to, or typical of a particular time in history

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

period

noun

pe·ri·od | \ ˈpir-ē-əd

Kids Definition of period

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

Choose the Right Synonym for period

period and age mean a portion of time. period can be used of any portion of time, no matter how long or short. We waited a period of five minutes. A new period of space exploration has begun. age is used of a longer period of time that is associated with an important person or outstanding thing. I'm reading about the age of Thomas Jefferson. We live in the computer age.