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
Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Both dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, which are part of the same chemical group, have overlapping characteristics, which is why the results can’t definitively differentiate between the two molecules, but future observations might, the study authors said.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
Barbara A. Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
The characteristic rash appears three to five days after the first symptoms.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
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
This is highly specific work that depends on each plantation's unique characteristics, including location, soil type, and coffee variety.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Both dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, which are part of the same chemical group, have overlapping characteristics, which is why the results can’t definitively differentiate between the two molecules, but future observations might, the study authors said.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Once well enough to speak to Congress the next month, a thinner and wan Reagan acknowledged the thunderous applause from both parties in the chamber and then put everyone at ease with a characteristic anecdote.
—Barbara A. Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
The characteristic rash appears three to five days after the first symptoms.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 18 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share