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Definition of irregular
1a : not being or acting in accord with laws, rules, or established custom irregular conductb : not conforming to the usual pattern of inflection irregular verbs; specifically : strong 16c : not following a usual or prescribed procedure; especially, British : celebrated without either proclamation of the banns or publication of intention to marry irregular marriage
2 : not belonging to or a part of a regular organized group; specifically : not belonging to a regular army but raised for a special purpose irregular troops
3a : lacking perfect symmetry or evenness an irregular coastlineb : having one or more floral parts of the same whorl different in size, shape, or arrangement; specifically : zygomorphic
4 : lacking continuity or regularity especially of occurrence or activity irregular employment
irregularly
adverbRead the Latest from M-W
Examples of irregular in a Sentence
His behavior as a teacher was highly irregular.
Her application was handled in an irregular manner.
a very jagged, irregular surface
The stone has an irregular shape.
He has a very irregular schedule.
The festival has been held at irregular intervals.
Recent Examples of irregular from the Web
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The last rider to be disqualified from the Tour for irregular riding was Cavendish’s teammate and leadout specialist (winds up the speed for the sprinter) Mark Renshaw, who headbutted one rider, then rode another one toward the barriers.
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The smallest particulates have been linked to premature death in people with heart or lung disease, heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, aggravated asthma and other lung problems.
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Heavy and/or irregular menstrual bleeding is common during early adolescence.
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The devices provide an electrical shock that can restart an irregular heartbeat.
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The drug’s use was later extended to patients who suffer from irregular heartbeats and are at high risk of stroke.
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Cardiac arrest, an electrical malfunction that causes an irregular heartbeat known as arrhythmia, disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs and is a leading cause of death, according to cpr.heart.org.
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Irregular galaxies, full of nothing but dim, red stars, are the leftovers of these great cosmic collisions.
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Mr. Allman had a liver transplant in 2010 and had struggled with an irregular heartbeat, among other health problems in recent years.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'irregular'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of irregular
Middle English irreguler, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin irregularis not in accordance with rule, from Latin in- + regularis regular
Synonym Discussion of irregular
irregular
Definition of irregular
: one that is irregular: such asa : a soldier who is not a member of a regular military forceb irregulars plural : merchandise that has minor defects or that falls next below the manufacturer's standard for firsts
Recent Examples of irregular from the Web
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The coalition argues that casualties are inevitable in urban warfare with irregulars mixing with civilians and determined to stage a last stand.
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Elite units, regular troops, irregulars in jeans carrying Kalashnikovs, members of foreign militias and armored vehicles could be seen near the front line on Sunday and Monday.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'irregular'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of irregular
15th century
IRREGULAR Defined for English Language Learners
irregular
playDefinition of irregular for English Language Learners
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: not normal or usual : not following the usual rules about what should be done
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: not even or smooth : not regular in form or shape
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: happening or done at different times that change often
irregular
Definition of irregular for English Language Learners
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: a soldier who does not belong to a country's official army
IRREGULAR Defined for Kids
irregular
playDefinition of irregular for Students
1 : not following custom or rule Her methods are most irregular.
2 : not following the usual manner of inflection The verb “sell” is irregular because its past tense is “sold,” not “selled.”
3 : not straight, smooth, or even an irregular coastline
4 : not continuous or coming at set times He works irregular hours.
irregularly
adverbMedical Dictionary
irregular
playMedical Definition of irregular
1: lacking perfect symmetry of form : not straight, smooth, even, or regular irregular teeth
2a: lacking continuity or regularity of occurrence, activity, or function irregular breathingbof a physiological function : failing to occur at regular or normal intervals irregular menstruation have your bowels been irregularcof an individual : failing to defecate at regular or normal intervals was constipated and very irregular
irregularly
adverbLaw Dictionary
irregular
playLegal Definition of irregular
: not in accord with laws, rules, procedures, or established custom
irregularly
adverbLearn More about irregular
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for irregular Spanish Central: Translation of irregular Nglish: Translation of irregular for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of irregular for Arabic speakers
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