English Reference
adjective · noun

regular

adj. · n.
US /ˈɹeɪɡjəɫɝ/ UK /ɹˈɛɡjuːlɐ/ reg·u·lar

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.happening at the same time or after the same amount of time again and again.

    adj.occurring at fixed, uniform intervals or with a consistent frequency.

    Simple

    He makes a regular trip to the library every Saturday morning.

    In context

    The patient was advised to maintain a regular sleep schedule to help regulate her circadian rhythm and improve overall health.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    adj.usual, normal, or the standard size or type.

    adj.conforming to a standard type, size, or expectation; ordinary in nature.

    Simple

    I don't want a large soda; a regular one is fine.

    In context

    The software update includes several new features that are not available in the regular version of the application.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    adj.having a balanced or even shape; having parts that are the same.

    adj.demonstrating evenness of form, symmetry, or equilateral properties.

    Simple

    The garden was designed with regular rows of flowers and straight paths.

    In context

    In geometry, a regular polygon must be both equilateral and equiangular, ensuring perfect rotational symmetry.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary Technical Grammar

    adj.following the normal rules of a language.

    adj.following the standard pattern of inflection or conjugation within a specific language system.

    Simple

    The verb 'walk' is regular because its past tense ends in 'ed'.

    In context

    Learners often find regular verbs easier to master because they do not require the memorisation of unique past-participle forms.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    adj.belonging to a permanent, professional army.

    adj.pertaining to a permanent, professional standing army as opposed to volunteer or reserve forces.

    Simple

    He decided to join the regular army instead of the reserves.

    In context

    The regular infantry units were deployed first, while the territorial reserves remained on standby for domestic support.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.someone who goes to the same shop, bar, or restaurant very often.

    n.a person who frequents a particular establishment habitually.

    Simple

    The waiter already knew what the regular wanted to drink.

    In context

    As a regular at the local jazz club, he was often granted the best table near the stage without needing a reservation.

    patronhabitue
  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate television

    n.an actor who appears in almost every episode of a television show.

    n.a performer who is part of the permanent or recurring main cast of a series.

    Simple

    She started as a guest star but soon became a series regular.

    In context

    The show's ratings dropped significantly after two of the most popular regulars decided to leave the production for film roles.

    recurring cast
    guest star

Usage regular basis


From Middle English reguler, from Anglo-Norman reguler, Middle French reguler, regulier, and their source, Latin rēgulāris (“continuing rules for guidance”), from rēgula (“rule”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₃reǵ- (“move in a straight line”).

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

This entry
Origin ine-pro *h₃reǵ-
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated