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
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
While current techniques use large, expensive devices to provide periodic updates of the Earth’s magnetic field, SBQuantum’s magnetometer is about the size of a quart of milk and provides continuous, high-quality monitoring data with exceptional precision.
—
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
Even amid the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, periodic strikes have continued, with the death toll continuing to mount.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Behind that system, cooler temperatures and periodic chances for showers and thunderstorms are possible Wednesday and Thursday, as the front may linger near the area, according to the weather service.
—Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
The State Department also warned travelers to prepare for potential disruptions, including periodic airspace closures that could affect international flights.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for periodic
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Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
Even amid the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, periodic strikes have continued, with the death toll continuing to mount.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Behind that system, cooler temperatures and periodic chances for showers and thunderstorms are possible Wednesday and Thursday, as the front may linger near the area, according to the weather service.
—Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
The State Department also warned travelers to prepare for potential disruptions, including periodic airspace closures that could affect international flights.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for periodic
Cite this Entry
“Periodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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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