Regular
/ˈreɡjələr/
Definitions
4 meaningsConforming to a standard or pattern; occurring at a fixed and predictable time or rate.
/ˈreɡjələr/
Happening or doing something at fixed intervals.
The doctor recommended regular check-ups.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite TV show comes on every week. That's a regular schedule! Something regular happens again and again at the same time.
👶 For kids: Something that happens again and again at the same time is regular! Like brushing your teeth every morning.
More Examples
The team has regular practices.
He takes regular breaks during his work.
How It's Used
"The bus runs on a regular schedule."
"He makes regular payments on his loan."
"She needs to get regular exercise to stay healthy."
Conforming to established rules, principles, or accepted standards.
/ˈreɡjələr/
Conforming to accepted rules or standards.
The meeting followed regular protocol.
💡 Simply: Like playing a game with rules. If you follow the rules of the game, it's a regular way of playing. If not, you're irregular!
👶 For kids: Doing things the right way or following the rules is regular! Like playing a game with rules.
More Examples
They ensured the process was regular.
The investigation found no irregularities.
How It's Used
"The court proceedings were conducted in a regular manner."
"He followed the regular procedures."
Belonging to a permanent or established organization, especially in the armed forces.
/ˈreɡjələr/
Belonging to the established or official system.
He is a regular member of the golf club.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who works at a store every day, not just sometimes. They are a regular employee.
👶 For kids: If you're part of the team and work there all the time, you're regular!
More Examples
The company employs regular staff.
He has a regular job in the field.
How It's Used
"He served in the regular army."
"She is a regular employee of the company."
A person who frequently visits a particular place or engages in a particular activity.
/ˈreɡjələr/
A person who frequents a place or does something often.
The cafe has many regulars.
💡 Simply: Like a 'regular' at your favorite coffee shop. Someone who goes there all the time. It's a place they go regularly!
👶 For kids: Someone who goes to a place again and again is a regular. Like the same person that always gets ice cream at the store!
More Examples
He's a regular at the gym.
She is a regular customer.
How It's Used
"He is a regular at the local pub."
"The diner had many regulars."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Regular as clockwork
Happening or done at exactly the same time or interval; predictable and reliable.
"The train service is regular as clockwork and always arrives on time."
Regular Joe
An ordinary, average person.
"He's just a regular Joe, with no special skills."
From Latin *regula* 'rule, straight line', ultimately from PIE *h₃reǵ-* 'to straighten, direct'. The word's meaning has evolved to encompass conformity, order, and frequency.
The word 'regular' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to adherence to rules or a standard.
Memory tip
Think of a clock ticking: regular, predictable intervals.
Word Origin
"rule, straight line"