ENGLISH
REFERENCE

periodical

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˌpɪɹiˈɑdɪkəɫ// UK //pˌiəɹɪˈɒdɪkəl// pe·ri·od·i·cal

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From period + -ical.

Usage

Often used in plural form when referring to a library's collection.

© 2026 English Reference