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.
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 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 Nonlinear periodization is different in that there is less distinction between the phases of training. Jason Fitzgerald, Outside Online, 12 Nov. 2019 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 20 Dec. 2025.

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