periodically

[peer-ee-od-ik-lee]

adverb

1. at irregular intervals of time; intermittently.

   Internships of various types are available periodically.

   You will need to recharge the battery periodically; the recharge interval will vary depending upon use.

2. at regular or somewhat regular intervals of time.

   By periodically—perhaps monthly—performing this test, you can quantitatively assess the impact of your training.

Other Word Forms

• nonperodically adverb
• quasi-periodically adverb
• unperiodically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of periodically¹

periodical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

California driver’s license and identification cards are updated periodically to improve security, according to DMV officials.

From Los Angeles Times

And in a running gag, her face periodically melts off, requiring a glam squad equivalent to a pit crew, and at one point, it seems to take on a life of its own.

From Los Angeles Times

It doesn’t have to be an open-ended, lifetime commitment to Harris’ protection, but an arrangement that could be periodically reviewed, as time passes and potential danger wanes.

From Los Angeles Times

Tom Skiles, a 30-year resident who periodically drives his wife to the hospital, said that while he understands the plight of the homeless, it is an inopportune time to lose a guaranteed amenity.

From Los Angeles Times

They had checked in on the children periodically until her mother, Kate, discovered she was missing at around 22:00 local time.

From BBC

Related Words

• annually 
• regularly 
• repeatedly 
• systematically