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

Synonyms of periodic

• frequent
• regular
• repeated
• periodical
• constant

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 United States, of course, has added a new dimension to its assault, piling on sanctions to accompany its blockade of Iran’s southern coast and periodic bombings. — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026

Research from the Baylor University study shows that mid-morning breaks are the most effective at replenishing energy, concentration, and motivation, followed by periodic ones as needed. — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 23 Sep. 2026

El Niño breaks into record territory El Niño is a periodic warming of the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean along the equator that influences weather patterns around the globe. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

The future of governance is therefore not about eliminating periodic governance reviews. — Ramachander Rao Thallada, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing periodic

• periodic acid
• periodic law
• periodic sentence
• periodic table

Rhymes for periodic

• anodic
• helladic
• melodic
• prosodic
• rhapsodic
• spasmodic
• antispasmodic
• aperiodic
• episodic
• modoc
• sodic
• photoperiodic

Kids 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