pe·ri·od·i·cal
ˌpir-ē-ˈä-di-kəl 
1
2
a
: published with a fixed interval between the issues or numbers
b
: published in, characteristic of, or connected with a periodical
: a periodical publication
Examples of periodical in a Sentence
Adjective
a periodical town newsletter that is supported by local advertisers
periodical announcements from airline personnel concerning the delay
Noun
She writes for a monthly periodical.
The library has a large collection of scholarly periodicals.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nate Trela, AZCentral.com, 26 Nov. 2025
Fujimura also explained the historical reasons for why Japanese IP is so strong – starting with the periodical manga magazines that became popular in the 1950s, evolving into the anime business that boomed with the growth of Japan’s animation studios and TV networks in the 1960s.
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
This year’s Cartoons & Puzzles issue offers a glimpse into our playful periodical’s hundred-year history.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for periodical
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Adjective
The Farmers' Almanac is a periodical and website known for its weather predictions, lunar and gardening calendars.
—Nate Trela, AZCentral.com, 26 Nov. 2025
Fujimura also explained the historical reasons for why Japanese IP is so strong – starting with the periodical manga magazines that became popular in the 1950s, evolving into the anime business that boomed with the growth of Japan’s animation studios and TV networks in the 1960s.
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
From pamphlets to periodicals to local newspapers, the printed news created this country.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
This year’s Cartoons & Puzzles issue offers a glimpse into our playful periodical’s hundred-year history.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for periodical
Cite this Entry
“Periodical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodical. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
periodical
1 of 2 adjective
pe·ri·od·i·cal
ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-i-kəl
1
2
: published at regular intervals
periodically
adverb
-k(ə-)lē
periodical
2 of 2 noun
: a periodical publication
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