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
The future of workforce development may therefore expand beyond periodic training experiences.
—
Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 June 2026
The production generates periodic boisterous fun along the way through brisk staging, galvanizing projections and splashy costuming, plus a few entertaining performances rippling out of the cast in bigger and smaller roles.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
The leaders navigating this best are not treating strategy as a periodic exercise.
—Carolyn Dewar, Fortune, 9 June 2026
The three other violations, of which the company paid nothing for each, were failing to conduct a periodic inspection on control of hazardous energy, failing to train employees in hazardous energy control, and following the proper procedures of hazardous energy control lockout, according to OSHA.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for periodic
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Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 June 2026
The production generates periodic boisterous fun along the way through brisk staging, galvanizing projections and splashy costuming, plus a few entertaining performances rippling out of the cast in bigger and smaller roles.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
The leaders navigating this best are not treating strategy as a periodic exercise.
—Carolyn Dewar, Fortune, 9 June 2026
The three other violations, of which the company paid nothing for each, were failing to conduct a periodic inspection on control of hazardous energy, failing to train employees in hazardous energy control, and following the proper procedures of hazardous energy control lockout, according to OSHA.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 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 16 Jun. 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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