periodically

adverb

pe·​ri·​od·​i·​cal·​ly ˌpir-ē-ˈä-di-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce periodically (audio)
Synonyms of periodicallynext
1
: at regular intervals of time
2
: from time to time : frequently

Examples of periodically in a Sentence

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.
Around 4% of people infected with Salmonella Typhi – a particularly dangerous type of Salmonella that causes typhoid fever – become asymptomatic carriers who periodically shed the bacteria in their feces up to one year after initial infection. — Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 On the supervision track, CFPB employees would periodically visit banks and other financial institutions to monitor their business practices and ensure compliance with the law. — Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026 Churches, neighborhoods, nonprofits, businesses, utilities and government should periodically engage in preparedness exercises so everyone understands their role. — Freida Graves, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Credit line reviews typically follow monthly or quarterly cycles; attrition models are refreshed periodically and applied in batch. — Julie Conroy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for periodically

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodically was in 1646

Rhymes for periodically

See All Rhymes for periodically

Browse Nearby Words

periodical cicada
periodically
periodicalness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Periodically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodically. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on periodically

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for periodically

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All