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 of periodic

• frequent
• regular
• repeated
• periodical
• constant

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

This was followed by the imposition of periodic payments under threat. —Rocío Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026

This means that many developments are being constructed in sparsely populated states that also experience periodic and severe drought, such as Arizona and Texas. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026

In the filing, the chain agreed to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. —Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026

In addition to initially registering as a public company, public companies must file periodic reports and share other information with the SEC on a regular basis so that information can be known to shareholders and the general public. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing periodic

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

Rhymes for periodic

• anodic
• melodic
• prosodic
• rhapsodic
• spasmodic
• antispasmodic
• aperiodic
• episodic
• photoperiodic
• sodic

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