Definition of irregular
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a : not being or acting in accord with laws, rules, or established custom
irregular conduct
b : not conforming to the usual pattern of inflection
irregular verbs specifically : strong sense 16
c : 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 coastline
b : 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
irregular
nounDefinition of irregular (Entry 2 of 2)
: one that is irregular: such as
a : a soldier who is not a member of a regular military force
b irregulars plural : merchandise that has minor defects or that falls next below the manufacturer's standard for firsts
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quizWords of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizHow Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quizSCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share irregular
Time Traveler for irregular
The first known use of irregular was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century