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

• constant
• frequent
• habitual
• periodical
• regular
• repeated
• steady

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

Are the classic compliance check methods effective for AI agents as well? Compliance check methods—including document review, criteria matching, and periodic inspections and investigations—are tailored for services that are traditionally provided by human resources. —Majeed Javdani, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Dach now lives in Manhattan, his job involving remote work and periodic trips to the Capitol. —Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 26 Nov. 2024

The periodic outbreaks have impacted turkey farmers in Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota—the top turkey-producing state. —Solcyré Burga, TIME, 25 Nov. 2024

The Trust issues shares on a periodic basis to accredited investors in exchange for deposits of XLM. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing periodic

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

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