periodic

adjective

pe·​ri·​od·​ic ˌpir-ē-ˈä-dik How to pronounce periodic (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The expectation should be annual bowl games with periodic 10-win seasons. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Unless something changes in Columbus, the only legally available way to close that gap and keep our schools operating is periodic local school levies. Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025 He will be required to attend regular meetings with his probation officer and refrain from drug use, with a drug test taken within 15 days after his release and two periodic tests after that time frame. Adam Reiss, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025 The forests are adapted to periodic natural fire that supports the more than 400 native plants and dozens of species. Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for periodic

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodic was in 1650

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Cite this Entry

“Periodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

periodic

adjective
pe·​ri·​od·​ic ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-ik How to pronounce periodic (audio)
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 How to pronounce periodic (audio)
: occurring or recurring at regular intervals
periodic epidemics

More from Merriam-Webster on periodic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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