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
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
His last periodic health examination was taken on March 8 and showed no signs of health problems that would affect his work, according to the airliner.
—
Escher Walcott, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024
The American Sleep Foundation reports additional possible explanations, including menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy, all of which can interrupt sleep and lead to women staying in bed a little bit longer to make up for the periodic awakenings.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024
In addition to corporate tax, businesses must remain compliant with Dubai’s VAT regulations, which require proper registration, invoicing and periodic filing.
—Ravi Kotwani, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Alaska also uses counting towers, which are platforms that sit above clear, shallow streams and allow technicians to take periodic counts to extrapolate salmon totals.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for periodic 
Escher Walcott, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024
The American Sleep Foundation reports additional possible explanations, including menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy, all of which can interrupt sleep and lead to women staying in bed a little bit longer to make up for the periodic awakenings.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024
In addition to corporate tax, businesses must remain compliant with Dubai’s VAT regulations, which require proper registration, invoicing and periodic filing.
—Ravi Kotwani, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Alaska also uses counting towers, which are platforms that sit above clear, shallow streams and allow technicians to take periodic counts to extrapolate salmon totals.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for periodic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'periodic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near periodic
Cite this Entry
“Periodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
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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