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Definition of perusal

perusal

/pəˈruː.zəl/
pe · ru · sal
Plural:perusals
•
Adjective:perusable
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perusal Lexical Profile

perusal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action of reading or examining something with great care and attention to detail.

Example

"I have attached a copy of the contract for your perusal before tomorrow's board meeting."

2

A casual or leisurely look through a collection of items or a piece of writing.

Example

"A quick perusal of the restaurant menu revealed plenty of vegetarian options."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for perusal
Antonyms
View all antonyms for perusal

Word Nuance & Usage

Traditionally, "perusal" denotes a careful, thorough examination of a text, though in modern usage it is also used to describe a casual or leisurely browsing.

• Rhymes for perusal

• Nearby Words

perturbing
perturbingly
peru
perusal
peruse
peruser
peruvian

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 16th century from the verb "peruse" plus the noun suffix "-al"; "peruse" originally meant to use up or wear out, from Anglo-French and Medieval Latin "perusare" (from "per-" meaning thoroughly + "uti" meaning to use).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Perusal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/perusal
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