ir·reg·u·lar
i-ˈre-gyə-lər 
ˌi(r)-
1
a
: not being or acting in accord with laws, rules, or established custom
irregular conduct
b
: not conforming to the usual pattern of inflection
irregular verbs
specifically
: strong sense 16
c
: not following a usual or prescribed procedure
especially, British
: celebrated without either proclamation of the banns or publication of intention to marry
irregular marriage
2
: not belonging to or a part of a regular organized group
specifically
: not belonging to a regular army but raised for a special purpose
irregular troops
3
a
: lacking perfect symmetry or evenness
an irregular coastline
b
: having one or more floral parts of the same whorl different in size, shape, or arrangement
specifically
: zygomorphic
4
: lacking continuity or regularity especially of occurrence or activity
irregular employment
irregularly
adverb
: one that is irregular: such as
a
: a soldier who is not a member of a regular military force
b
irregulars plural
: merchandise that has minor defects or that falls next below the manufacturer's standard for firsts
Synonyms
Examples of irregular in a Sentence
Adjective
His behavior as a teacher was highly irregular.
Her application was handled in an irregular manner.
a very jagged, irregular surface
The stone has an irregular shape.
He has a very irregular schedule.
The festival has been held at irregular intervals.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Nov. 2024
Better supporting Ukrainian irregular warfare capabilities could indirectly help Kyiv claw back territory in occupied areas and set the stage for more favorable negotiations when the war eventually comes to an end.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Alexander J. Motyl, Foreign Affairs, 17 July 2014
But when strong-arm tactics by security irregulars failed to suppress the massive demonstrations in Tahrir Square, the senior officer corps, who regarded themselves foremost as guardians of the first Egyptian revolution, sent Mubarak into retirement.
—Robert H. Pelletreau, Foreign Affairs, 24 Feb. 2011
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Adjective
Smoking, high blood pressure, and a type of irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation may play a bigger role than other risk factors in increasing the odds of severe disability or death after a stroke, a new study suggests.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Nov. 2024
Better supporting Ukrainian irregular warfare capabilities could indirectly help Kyiv claw back territory in occupied areas and set the stage for more favorable negotiations when the war eventually comes to an end.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
In a word, even before yesterday, Donbas was well on its way to becoming Ukraine’s Bosnia -- with Putin playing the part of Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic, Russia playing the part of Serbia, and Putin’s Donbas supporters playing the part of Bosnian Serb irregulars.
—Alexander J. Motyl, Foreign Affairs, 17 July 2014
But when strong-arm tactics by security irregulars failed to suppress the massive demonstrations in Tahrir Square, the senior officer corps, who regarded themselves foremost as guardians of the first Egyptian revolution, sent Mubarak into retirement.
—Robert H. Pelletreau, Foreign Affairs, 24 Feb. 2011
See all Example Sentences for irregular
Articles Related to irregular
Dictionary Entries Near irregular
Cite this Entry
“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irregular. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
irregular
1 of 2 adjective
ir·reg·u·lar
(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)eg-yə-lər
1
a
: not following custom or rule
b
: not belonging to a recognized or organized body
irregular troops
2
a
: not following the normal or usual manner of inflection
the irregular verb "sell"
b
: strong sense 12
the irregular verb "write"
3
a
: having one or more like parts unequal in size, form, or the way they are arranged
irregular flowers
b
: uneven
4
: not continuous or regular in occurrence
at irregular intervals
irregularly
adverb
irregular
2 of 2 noun1
: an irregular soldier
2
: merchandise that is slightly imperfect
Medical Definition
irregular
adjective
ir·reg·u·lar
(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)eg-yə-lər
1
: lacking perfect symmetry of form : not straight, smooth, even, or regular
irregular teeth
2
a
: lacking continuity or regularity of occurrence, activity, or function
irregular breathing
b
of a physiological function
: failing to occur at regular or normal intervals
irregular menstruation
have your bowels been irregular
c
of an individual
: failing to defecate at regular or normal intervals
was constipated and very irregular
irregularly
adverb
Legal Definition
irregular
adjective
ir·reg·u·lar
ir-ˈre-gyə-lər
: not in accord with laws, rules, procedures, or established custom
irregularly
adverb
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