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
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
In Florida, a person found not guilty by reason of insanity may be placed on conditional release, which requires a treatment plan and periodic monitoring.
—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
The agency also alleged the company failed to carry out periodic inspections to identify unsafe conditions and work practices, or to provide proper training and personal protective equipment to some of its employees and contractors.
—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Organizations are moving from periodic operating environments toward continuous ones, where the ability to sense, interpret and respond dynamically is becoming a strategic capability.
—
Dhiraj Adya,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Other factors, including the early stages of hurricane season and periodic Saharan dust outbreaks, can also influence conditions, but are less consistent drivers at this range.
—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for periodic
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Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
The agency also alleged the company failed to carry out periodic inspections to identify unsafe conditions and work practices, or to provide proper training and personal protective equipment to some of its employees and contractors.
—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Organizations are moving from periodic operating environments toward continuous ones, where the ability to sense, interpret and respond dynamically is becoming a strategic capability.
—
Dhiraj Adya,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Other factors, including the early stages of hurricane season and periodic Saharan dust outbreaks, can also influence conditions, but are less consistent drivers at this range.
—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for periodic
Cite this Entry
“Periodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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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