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
Torpor pauses damage, and the periodic arousals help the squirrel’s body fix what little damage has accumulated.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Opponents said McLean’s plan would cut down 17 acres of trees and add 7 acres of impervious surfaces, worsening the periodic flooding that’s already a concern.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2026
Their goal is to replace periodic checks with continuous monitoring.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
The fund is structured so that capital returned from each investment is automatically reinvested into future projects, allowing investors potential to compound returns over time, while also offering periodic opportunities to cash out.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for periodic
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Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Opponents said McLean’s plan would cut down 17 acres of trees and add 7 acres of impervious surfaces, worsening the periodic flooding that’s already a concern.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2026
Their goal is to replace periodic checks with continuous monitoring.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
The fund is structured so that capital returned from each investment is automatically reinvested into future projects, allowing investors potential to compound returns over time, while also offering periodic opportunities to cash out.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Jan. 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 28 Jan. 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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