frequency
noun
fre·quen·cy
ˈfrē-kwən(t)-sē 
plural frequencies
1
: the fact or condition of occurring frequently
the frequency of automobile accidents
2
a
: the number of times that a periodic function repeats the same sequence of values during a unit variation of the independent variable
b
: the number, proportion, or percentage of items in a particular category in a set of data
3
: the number of repetitions of a periodic process in a unit of time: such as
a
: the number of complete alternations (see alternation sense 1) per second of an alternating current
b
: the number of complete oscillations (see oscillation sense 3) per second of energy (such as sound or electromagnetic radiation) in the form of waves
Examples of frequency in a Sentence
the alarming frequency of serious automobile accidents caused by young drivers
The frequency of student errors was frustrating to the young teacher.
Our visits decreased in frequency.
Errors were occurring with increasing frequency.
a sound wave of high frequency
waves having very different frequencies from one another
a current having a frequency of 60 hertz
a radio frequency of 30 megahertz
Recent Examples on the Web
Polling rate is the frequency at which data from the keyboard is sent to the device it's connected to.
—
PCMAG, 4 June 2024
The effects of supplements vary and can depend on dosage, frequency of use, and interactions with current medications.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 1 June 2024
Though mangroves protect coasts against storms, climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of storms which can damage the trees.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 22 May 2024
Climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of turbulence as the planet warms and winds intensify.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for frequency 
PCMAG, 4 June 2024
The effects of supplements vary and can depend on dosage, frequency of use, and interactions with current medications.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 1 June 2024
Though mangroves protect coasts against storms, climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of storms which can damage the trees.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 22 May 2024
Climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of turbulence as the planet warms and winds intensify.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for frequency
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'frequency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near frequency
Cite this Entry
“Frequency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frequency. Accessed 9 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
frequency
noun
fre·quen·cy
ˈfrē-kwən-sē
plural frequencies
1
: the fact or condition of happening often
2
: how often something happens : rate of repetition
3
: the number of repetitions of a periodic process in a unit of time: as
a
: the number of times per second that an electric current flowing in one direction changes direction then changes back
a current having a frequency of 60 hertz
b
: the number of waves (as of sound or electromagnetic energy) that pass a fixed point each second
a sound having a frequency of 1500 hertz
the frequency of yellow light
4
: the number or proportion of one kind of item in a group
the frequency of chocolate doughnuts in the box
Medical Definition
frequency
noun
fre·quen·cy
ˈfrē-kwən-sē
plural frequencies
1
: the number of individuals in a single class when objects are classified according to variations in a set of one or more specified attributes
2
: the number of repetitions of a periodic process in a unit of time
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