Regular: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you are describing something that happens at set times or intervals without major variation.

• He takes his medication at regular intervals.
• They have regular meetings every Monday.

Best for describing something that maintains the same quality or pattern repeatedly.

• Her consistent performance earned her a promotion.
• The team's consistent effort led to their victory.

Used to describe a set of usual or habitual activities that are done regularly.

• His morning routine includes a short jog and a cup of coffee.
• The doctor performed the routine check-up.

Appropriate for something that occurs at intervals, but not necessarily at regular or frequent ones.

• Periodic maintenance is required to keep the machinery running smoothly.
• The committee holds periodic reviews of their policies.

In a business context, to refer to someone who shows habitual purchasing or visiting behavior without necessarily being as dedicated as a loyal customer.

• He's a regular at our bookstore, coming in almost every weekend

Used when emphasizing the high frequency of visits, often implying more dedication or purpose in the visits.

• As a frequent visitor to the library, he has read almost all the books in the history section

Best used in business contexts to describe someone who regularly buys products or services from the same company, showing loyalty and usually implying a positive relationship.

• The loyal customer receives special discounts and early access to new products

Used for something that happens consistently or at evenly spaced intervals, such as routine events or standard sizes.

• She has a regular check-up every six months
• He is a regular customer at this café

Used when talking about a particular version or printing of a book, magazine, or newspaper, often indicating changes or updates.

• The second edition of the textbook includes new chapters
• I have the limited edition of that comic book

Refers to a single release of a periodic publication like a magazine or journal, or can denote a particular problem or topic of discussion.

• Have you read the latest issue of the magazine? The main issue is how to improve the project

Refers to a single example of a printed text, photograph, or other reproduction of an original work.

• Can I borrow your copy of the book? She made a copy of the document