What does "regular" mean?

1. (happening often or at fixed times) happening at the same time or after the same amount of time again and again. 2. (normal or standard) usual, normal, or the standard size or type. 3. (even in shape) having a balanced or even shape; having parts that are the same. 4. (grammar) following the normal rules of a language. 5. (professional military) belonging to a permanent, professional army. 6. (frequent customer) someone who goes to the same shop, bar, or restaurant very often. 7. (TV cast member) an actor who appears in almost every episode of a television show.

regular

adj. · n.

US //ˈɹeɪɡjəɫɝ// UK //ɹˈɛɡjuːlɐ// reg·u·lar

1 happening often or at fixed times (adj.)
A2 Elementary

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

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

Example

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

Example

The patient was advised to maintain a regular sleep schedule to help regulate her circadian rhythm and improve overall health.
- irregular
- occasional
2 normal or standard (adj.)
A2 Elementary

usual, normal, or the standard size or type.

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

Example

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

Example

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

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3 even in shape (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

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

demonstrating evenness of form, symmetry, or equilateral properties.

Example

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

Example

In geometry, a regular polygon must be both equilateral and equiangular, ensuring perfect rotational symmetry.
- uneven
- asymmetrical
4 grammar (adj.)
A2 Elementary Technical Grammar

following the normal rules of a language.

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

Example

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

Example

Learners often find regular verbs easier to master because they do not require the memorisation of unique past-participle forms.
- standard
- predictable
- irregular
5 professional military (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Military

belonging to a permanent, professional army.

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

Example

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

Example

The regular infantry units were deployed first, while the territorial reserves remained on standby for domestic support.
- professional
- standing
- volunteer
- reserve
6 frequent customer (n.)
B1 Intermediate Informal

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

a person who frequents a particular establishment habitually.

Example

The waiter already knew what the regular wanted to drink.

Example

As a regular at the local jazz club, he was often granted the best table near the stage without needing a reservation.
- patron
- habitue
- stranger
- newcomer
7 TV cast member (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate television

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

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

Example

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

Example

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

Origin

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”).