char·ac·ter·is·tic
ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik 
ˌka-rik-
plural characteristics
1
: a distinguishing trait, quality, or property
the characteristics of this breed of dog
2
: the integral part of a common logarithm
3
: the smallest positive integer n which for an operation in a ring or field yields 0 when any element is used n times with the operation
: revealing, distinguishing, or typical of an individual character
a poetic style characteristic of the epic
Synonyms
Examples of characteristic in a Sentence
Noun
the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals
Adjective
He responded to their comments with characteristic good humor.
the characteristic taste of licorice
Recent Examples on the Web
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
These offensive characteristics are complemented by his smart movement inside the penalty area, which is visible in his goals for Frankfurt.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Jeanne M. Stafford, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Featuring a swirl of pastels, the piece was characteristic of the artist, who is known for colorful, frenetic works that appear abstract but reveal distinct and often explicit figures, when observed closely.
—Maggie Lange, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for characteristic 
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Noun
Rums made from sugar cane juice are also more expressive of terroir and vintage characteristics.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
These offensive characteristics are complemented by his smart movement inside the penalty area, which is visible in his goals for Frankfurt.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Slee asked what characteristic separated our Founding Fathers from today’s leader.
—Jeanne M. Stafford, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Featuring a swirl of pastels, the piece was characteristic of the artist, who is known for colorful, frenetic works that appear abstract but reveal distinct and often explicit figures, when observed closely.
—Maggie Lange, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for characteristic
Dictionary Entries Near characteristic
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characteristic. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
characteristic
1 of 2 noun
char·ac·ter·is·tic
ˌkar-ik-tə-ˈris-tik
: a special quality or appearance that makes an individual or group different from others
characteristic
2 of 2 adjective
: typical of an individual or group
Medical Definition
characteristic
1 of 2 adjective
char·ac·ter·is·tic
ˌkar-ik-tə-ˈris-tik
: serving to reveal and distinguish the individual character
characteristic
2 of 2 noun
: a distinguishing trait, quality, or property
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