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.
The Million Dollar Highway is open year-round, but it’s periodically closed to clear rockslides and avalanches. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 These ardent vows notwithstanding, the riven Ahab periodically yearns for the peace and comforts of home while viewing such tender, human feelings as weakness. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 Historically, Ebola emerged periodically from the forest to ravage a few isolated villages at a time. — Ivan Buendia Gayton, STAT, 7 July 2026 So a group of white nationalists hiding behind masks periodically shows up in the nation’s capital, struggles to navigate basic public transportation, and walks around taking videos of themselves. — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 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

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Browse Nearby Words

periodical cicada
periodically
periodicalness
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Cite this Entry

“Periodically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodically. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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