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 goal is to make the car a platform with with periodic improvements in autonomy, infotainment and customer experience features, similar to a smart-phone model but with a safety focus, critical for cars moving at high speeds in cluttered environments. Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 The man said that Laura has grown increasingly frustrated with the periodic disruptions caused by Ella's biological mother. Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 Times between traditional wet mopping sessions can be further extended by periodic deep-cleaning with a steam mop. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025 If used regularly, periodic liver function evaluations may be recommended. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near periodic

Cite this Entry

“Periodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic. Accessed 30 Jan. 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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