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

His periodic fireside chats were broadcast on the radio and captivated the nation with their warmth, clarity and resolve. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

There have been periodic stretches when the Jayhawks were inactive. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026

Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry laws and regulations, as well as Philadelphia’s Board of Education, also require accurate inventory records and periodic updates of asset locations, additions, transfers and disposals. — Kathryn Blackman, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026

They will be adapted into streamable episodes made available on HBO Max three days later, along with periodic extras. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 31 Aug. 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