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
Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 Most importantly, the 'coercion' characteristic of religious establishments was government pressure to engage in religious worship. —S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Charles F. Miller, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 This was not as characteristic of earlier strains. —Eva Flowe april 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for characteristic
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.
Noun
Located at 516 Cherry Brook Road in Canton, the home stretches over 2,800 square feet and still has many of its original characteristics. —Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 Most importantly, the 'coercion' characteristic of religious establishments was government pressure to engage in religious worship. —S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
This would be a moral response characteristic of a decent society, but not through force. —Charles F. Miller, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 This was not as characteristic of earlier strains. —Eva Flowe april 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for characteristic
Cite this Entry
“Characteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/characteristic. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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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