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
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
Jay Mehta, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Improbably, Netanyahu seems to have forgotten the most critical characteristic of the Jewish faith: the sanctity of life.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025
Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Because chemicals absorb and emit light at characteristic wavelengths, when light from a parent star passes through a planet's atmosphere, the molecules in that atmosphere leave their telltale fingerprints in the spectrum of starlight.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
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Noun
The Small-Cap Parallel Even in developed markets, small-cap stocks share many of the same characteristics as emerging economies.
—Jay Mehta, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Improbably, Netanyahu seems to have forgotten the most critical characteristic of the Jewish faith: the sanctity of life.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
In early-stage disease with the characteristic rash, doctors often begin treatment immediately without waiting for test results, as early treatment is most effective.
—Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Because chemicals absorb and emit light at characteristic wavelengths, when light from a parent star passes through a planet's atmosphere, the molecules in that atmosphere leave their telltale fingerprints in the spectrum of starlight.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characteristic. Accessed 8 Aug. 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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