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
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
There have been periodic violent attacks on foreign African nationals.
—
Kate Bartlett, NPR, 24 May 2024
In November, voters will weigh whether to retain Bolick and King on the state Supreme Court as part of periodic public input on the judiciary.
—Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for periodic 
Kate Bartlett, NPR, 24 May 2024
In November, voters will weigh whether to retain Bolick and King on the state Supreme Court as part of periodic public input on the judiciary.
—Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for periodic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'periodic.' 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 periodic
Cite this Entry
“Periodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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