English Reference
Noun

periodical

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

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.

Usage

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

El Niño, a pattern of periodical sea surface warming, affects weather systems globally.

BBC News· 21 Aug 2026

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.

The Guardian· 22 Aug 2026

From period + -ical.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated