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

What is especially transformative is that the technology allows teams to move beyond periodic ecological snapshots toward continuous environmental visibility across a project’s lifecycle. — Gamuda Contributor, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

The lightweight feet are made from triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures that absorb and release impact energy, reducing the workload on the robot’s motors. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026

Generated by the warming of the Pacific Ocean, this periodic phenomenon could see temperatures soar to record levels over coming months, scientists warn. — Oliver Balch, Fortune, 27 July 2026

But much larger sets will occur on a periodic basis, creating life-threatening rip currents, the weather service says. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 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
• helladic
• melodic
• prosodic
• rhapsodic
• spasmodic
• antispasmodic
• aperiodic
• episodic
• modoc
• sodic
• photoperiodic

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