periodization

noun

pe·​ri·​od·​i·​za·​tion ˌpir-ē-ə-də-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce periodization (audio)
: division (as of history) into periods

Examples of periodization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Advertisement Another fundamental of James’ approach—at the base of the recovery pyramid—is periodization: breaking up one exercise type with other kinds. Matt Fuchs, Time, 20 Apr. 2026 The principle of periodization—deliberately alternating intense load with scheduled rest—is the foundation of every serious high-performance training plan in the world. Martina Doherty, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2026 Post-Soviet, Anthropocene, and post-independence frameworks can be overdetermined by these same spatial and political logics, translating them into periodizations that claim to mark historical breaks while reproducing their underlying assumptions. Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026 Palmer has played with periodization by writing science-fiction novels set in the twenty-fifth century. Shayla Love, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026 Programming Changing your exercises after a specific number of weeks or months is an effective way to incorporate progressive overload—a training principle known as periodization. Oluseun Olufade, Verywell Health, 24 Nov. 2025 Green Tea Is Even Better For You Than You Think Studies show that this method, called periodization, prevents boredom and improves health outcomes. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 30 Sep. 2024 That's periodization in a really simple form. Greg Presto, Men's Health, 6 May 2022 The era of rising progressive ambitions lasted from about 2005 to 2020 Historical periodization is a tricky thing, but here’s a rough attempt at it. Andrew Prokop, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodization was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Periodization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodization. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster