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
While Indonesia is often described as one of Australia's most important neighbors, the relationship has seen periodic strains.
—
Niniek Karmini, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
India and Pakistan have fought four wars since Partition in 1947 — in 1947–48, 1965, 1971 and 1999 — with the territory of Kashmir remaining the central flashpoint in a relationship marked by military confrontation, diplomatic breakdowns and periodic escalations.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026
The bridge eventually gained a reputation for being the victim of periodic vehicle strikes, frequent enough that a local merchant who owned a store nearby kept buckets of paint and some repair supplies handy at the back of his shop.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Many online precious metal dealers run periodic sales, offer discounts on specific products or provide incentives like free shipping above certain order amounts.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for periodic
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Niniek Karmini, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
India and Pakistan have fought four wars since Partition in 1947 — in 1947–48, 1965, 1971 and 1999 — with the territory of Kashmir remaining the central flashpoint in a relationship marked by military confrontation, diplomatic breakdowns and periodic escalations.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026
The bridge eventually gained a reputation for being the victim of periodic vehicle strikes, frequent enough that a local merchant who owned a store nearby kept buckets of paint and some repair supplies handy at the back of his shop.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Many online precious metal dealers run periodic sales, offer discounts on specific products or provide incentives like free shipping above certain order amounts.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Feb. 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 8 Feb. 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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