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.
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 Perhaps your periodization plan isn’t quite periodized enough. Men's Health, 12 Sep. 2022 But the handy periodization used by both Wall Street and journalism — focusing on the first half of the year — obscured a major shift in the stock market. Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2022 Rod Dixon won the 1983 NYC Marathon by focusing on periodization, recovery, balanced training, and a little beer. Amby Burfoot, Outside Online, 6 Aug. 2020 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

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Cite this Entry

“Periodization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodization. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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