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

Adult males go through musth, a periodic condition that heightens their aggression. — ABC News, 3 July 2026

The flags are saved for periodic retirement ceremonies that involve reciting a script, standing at attention, a moment of silent reflection, and the subsequent burning. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

The interface between regulators and their licensees will move from periodic submissions to continuous data exchange. — Matthew White, Fortune, 7 July 2026

There is an International Asteroid Day in which the world will probably not get demolished, a visit from a 5-year periodic comet and views of the Milky Way’s brilliant core. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 3 July 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