periodic

adjective

pe·​ri·​od·​ic ˌpir-ē-ˈä-dik 

1

a

: occurring or recurring at regular intervals

b

: occurring repeatedly from time to time

2

a

: consisting of or containing a series of repeated stages, processes, or digits : cyclic

periodic decimals

a periodic vibration

b

: being a function any value of which recurs at regular intervals

3

: expressed in or characterized by periodic sentences

Synonyms

• constant
• frequent
• habitual
• periodical
• regular
• repeated
• steady

Examples of periodic in a Sentence

He takes the car in for periodic oil changes.

sent out periodic reminders about the office dress code

Recent Examples on the Web

Both versions of the spotlight must be avoided by sneaking carefully around to evade detection, but the former mostly serves as a periodic nuisance to wait out, while the latter is a persistently looming threat that appear frequently and patrols rooms sporadically. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2024

Crohn’s causes periodic inflammation that can lead to intense cramps, shooting pain, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. —Jj Courtney, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Organizing periodic in-person meetups focused on team bonding, not project updates, has fostered real relationships. —Aaron Vick, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

These intentional periodic burns may have been a pest extermination tactic. —R. Alexander Bentley, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing periodic

• periodic acid
• periodic law
• periodic sentence
• periodic table

Kids Definition

periodic

adjective

pe·​ri·​od·​ic ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-ik 

1

: occurring at regular intervals

2

: consisting of or containing a series of repeated stages

periodic vibrations

Medical Definition

periodic

adjective

pe·​ri·​od·​ic ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-ik 

: occurring or recurring at regular intervals

periodic epidemics