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

The hum is punctuated with the crackle of flames and the buckling of timber and the periodic pop of exploding gas lines somewhere in the distance, all of which gets louder as the fire bears down on you. —Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025

The movement was classified by periodic pulses, or bursts of mobility that lasted for one to two hours. —Julianna Bragg, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025

The most recent escalation, often referred to as the 'Gaza War' or 'Israel-Gaza conflict,' typically refers to the ongoing tensions and periodic outbreaks of violence between Israel and Palestinian groups, particularly Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

However, that colossal run has encountered periodic drawdowns. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025

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