Word
periodical
Phoneticspe·ri·od·i·cal, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɪɹiˈɑdɪkəɫ/
UK/pˌiəɹɪˈɒdɪkəl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a magazine or newspaper that is published at regular times, such as every week or every month. You usually find these in libraries or academic settings.
n. a publication issued at regular intervals, such as a journal, magazine, or newspaper. Often refers specifically to scholarly or professional journals in a library context.
Examples
“The library has a large collection of scientific periodicals.”
“Researchers must cite the specific volume and issue number of the periodical when referencing the study.”
“While digital archives have replaced many physical stacks, the university still maintains subscriptions to several print periodicals that are not yet available in a searchable online format.”
Examples
simple
“The library has a large collection of scientific periodicals.”
contextual
“Researchers must cite the specific volume and issue number of the periodical when referencing the study.”
complex
“While digital archives have replaced many physical stacks, the university still maintains subscriptions to several print periodicals that are not yet available in a searchable online format.”
Usage
Often used in plural form when referring to a library's collection.
Real-World Examples
“El Niño, a pattern of periodical sea surface warming, affects weather systems globally.” “In the follow-up to global bestseller Lessons in Chemistry, it’s 1982 New York and young Batter Gray lands a job at the eponymous poetry periodical, run by feuding twin brothers.” Etymology
From period + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/periodical