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
That said, periodic servicing of Flocean’s desalination modules can be done using the same equipment and techniques as for subsea oil and gas equipment.
—
Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Breaching these areas and killing bots will trigger periodic airdrops of more AI enemies, in increasing frequency and threat levels.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
There’ve also been injuries – most notably missing out on Euro 2024 – as well as periodic losses of form, yet through it all, the defender’s trademark resilience and strength of character remained intact; the perfect remedy to silence the critics.
—Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
Various appliances, plumbing systems, and outdoor access points require periodic re-caulking to avoid leaks, fill in cracks, and prevent moisture exposure.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for periodic
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.
Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Breaching these areas and killing bots will trigger periodic airdrops of more AI enemies, in increasing frequency and threat levels.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
There’ve also been injuries – most notably missing out on Euro 2024 – as well as periodic losses of form, yet through it all, the defender’s trademark resilience and strength of character remained intact; the perfect remedy to silence the critics.
—Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
Various appliances, plumbing systems, and outdoor access points require periodic re-caulking to avoid leaks, fill in cracks, and prevent moisture exposure.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for periodic
Cite this Entry
“Periodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share