Period — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈpir-ē-əd/ pe·ri·od

Meaning & Definition of Period

Period (noun)

  1. the completion of a cycle, a series of events, or a single action, conclusion
  2. an utterance from one full stop to another, sentence
  3. a well-proportioned sentence of several clauses

Period (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or representing a particular historical period

Period (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an occurrence of menstruating

    "she hoped her period wouldn't start until she got home"

    similar: menstruation, monthlies
    related: menses

  2. an extent of time associated with a particular person or thing

    "the Romantic period in music"

    similar: age, day, epoch, era, time
    related: cycle, generation, year, bit, space, span, spell, stretch, while, date, vintage

Related Entry: Gestation (noun)

Gestation is a different word from Period. The synonyms below are for gestation, not for period.

  1. the state of containing unborn young within the body

    "the length of gestation for the gray wolf is about 63 days"

    similar: family way, gravidity, pregnancy
    related: conception, begetting, breeding, generation, procreation, siring, spawning
    near: barrenness, infertility

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Period

The most common words with a similar meaning to Period:

menstruation, monthlies, age, day, epoch, era, time

Related Words for Period

menses, cycle, generation, year, bit, space, span, spell, stretch, while, date, vintage

Origin & 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

First known use: 1532

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Period

Words & Phrases Containing Period

period piece, grace period, incubation period, latency period, latent period, refractory period, cooling-off period, fallow period

Frequently Asked Questions about Period

What does "Period" mean?

"Period" means the completion of a cycle, a series of events, or a single action, conclusion. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: the completion of a cycle, a series of events, or a single action, conclusion. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Period"?

Other words for "Period" include menstruation, monthlies, age, day, epoch, era and time. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Period" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Period"?

There are 19 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Period". Common alternatives include menstruation, monthlies, age, day, epoch, era and time.

How do you use "Period" in a sentence?

Examples of "Period" in a sentence: "she hoped her period wouldn't start until she got home"; "the Romantic period in music".

Is "Period" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Period" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Period" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Period"?

"Period" is pronounced /ˈpir-ē-əd/ and divided into syllables as pe·ri·od.

What is the origin of the word "Period"?

"Period" comes from 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. First known use: 1532.