periodic

pe·ri·od·ic | \ ˌpir-ē-ˈä-dik

How to pronounce periodic (audio)

\

Definition of periodic

1a : occurring or recurring at regular intervals

b : occurring repeatedly from time to time

2a : 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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about periodic

Keep scrolling for more

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 The film capably, if expectedly, proceeds down this standard procedural path, progressing from investigation to trial, with periodic flourishes of genius from Pearce, having some campy fun as Van Meegeren. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, "Review: ‘The Last Vermeer’ squanders Guy Pearce and high-stakes art forgery," 19 Nov. 2020 Baer’s specials are pledge-period winners for WTTW, among the most popular shows the station runs during the periodic direct fundraising that is central to its revenue model. — Steve Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Review: WTTW’s ‘Chicago from the Air’ gives a drone’s-eye view of the city, region," 18 Nov. 2020 The assessment is mandated by state housing law as part of the periodic process of updating local housing elements of the General Plan. — Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Housing grants announced for Encinitas, Oceanside," 16 Nov. 2020 Only a few, periodic clouds may pop up from time to time as dry air dominates, along with conditions that should remain rain-free. — Washington Post, "D.C.-area forecast: Brighter and breezier today, after some early fog and drizzle," 13 Nov. 2020 And his parole comes with extensive restrictions, including a curfew, periodic check-ins and monthly fees. — Connor Sheets | Csheets@al.com, al, "‘Just thankful’: 34-year-old Alabama cancer patient’s emotional journey from prison to early parole," 11 Nov. 2020 The government has imposed periodic lockdowns and curfews since the start of the pandemic. — Omar Akour, Star Tribune, "Jordan holds parliamentary elections amid virus surge," 10 Nov. 2020 But Intel’s manufacturing has stumbled for the past several years, delaying the development of faster chips and causing periodic shortages. — Aaron Pressman, Fortune, "Apple makes a big change to its new Mac computers. Here’s what you need to know," 10 Nov. 2020 Some observers blame this situation on periodic drought. — Burke Griggs, The Conversation, "Farmers are depleting the Ogallala Aquifer because the government pays them to do it," 9 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'periodic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about periodic

Dictionary Entries near periodic

periodical cicada

Statistics for periodic

Last Updated

24 Nov 2020

Cite this Entry

“Periodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic. Accessed 24 Nov. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for periodic

periodic

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of periodic

: happening regularly over a period of time

See the full definition for periodic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

periodic

pe·ri·od·ic | \ ˌpir-ē-ˈä-dik

\

Kids Definition of periodic

: occurring regularly over a period of time

periodic

pe·ri·od·ic | \ ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-ik

\

Medical Definition of periodic

: occurring or recurring at regular intervals periodic epidemics

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

mogul

Listen to the pronunciation of mogul

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Thanksgiving Word Quiz

November comes from a word for which of the following numbers?

12 10
9 11

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.