periodical

1 of 2

adjective

pe·​ri·​od·​i·​cal ˌpir-ē-ˈä-di-kəl How to pronounce periodical (audio)
Synonyms of periodicalnext
1
: periodic sense 1
2
a
: published with a fixed interval between the issues or numbers
b
: published in, characteristic of, or connected with a periodical

periodical

2 of 2

noun

: a periodical publication

Synonyms of periodical

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Adjective

Noun

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Examples of periodical in a Sentence

Adjective a periodical town newsletter that is supported by local advertisers periodical announcements from airline personnel concerning the delay Noun She writes for a monthly periodical. The library has a large collection of scholarly periodicals.
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.
Adjective
Perhaps most retro of all, the Gunmen's day job is running a periodical magazine, printed on actual paper. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 June 2026 The Boys has been a key to Dynamite’s commercial fortunes going back to the earliest days of the periodical comic. — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
Her parents ran a print shop for a newspaper and Buddhist periodicals. — John Mok, Vogue, 6 May 2026 Heuermann is an avid ready of books and periodicals, Toulon told ABC News. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for periodical

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodical was in 1585

Phrases Containing periodical

Rhymes for periodical

See All Rhymes for periodical

Browse Nearby Words

periodic acid
periodical
periodical cicada
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Cite this Entry

“Periodical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodical. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

periodical

1 of 2 adjective
pe·​ri·​od·​i·​cal ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-i-kəl How to pronounce periodical (audio)
1
: periodic sense 1
2
: published at regular intervals
periodically
-k(ə-)lē
adverb

periodical

2 of 2 noun
: a periodical publication

More from Merriam-Webster on periodical

Nglish: Translation of periodical for Spanish Speakers

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