periodic

adjective

pe·​ri·​od·​ic ˌpir-ē-ˈä-dik How to pronounce periodic (audio)
Synonyms of periodicnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An Organization Driven by Compliance Organizations in regulated industries often rely on periodic scans to meet compliance requirements, but these do not demonstrate exploitability. William Jones, USA Today, 3 June 2026 But children and adults under age 65 are subject to periodic assessments of their eligibility and must adhere to the program’s rigid rules. Katie Savin, Fortune, 2 June 2026 Families increasingly want clearer visibility across investments, structures and performance in real time, rather than relying solely on periodic reporting cycles. Paul Westall, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 These entities have the bench depth to absorb a physician’s periodic absence and the corporate infrastructure to manage the arrangement. Robert Krasner, STAT, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for periodic

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodic was in 1650

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Periodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

periodic

adjective
pe·​ri·​od·​ic ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-ik How to pronounce periodic (audio)
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 How to pronounce periodic (audio)
: occurring or recurring at regular intervals
periodic epidemics

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