English · Word Candidate

irregular

/ɪˈɹɛɡ.jʊ.lə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: irregulars

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Nonstandard; not conforming to rules or expectations.

Adjective

Examples

‘ “It would be most irregular Grandpa!” says Miss Cecily frowning and tapping her foot. “Well, we’re a pretty irregular family so that’s neither here nor there,” says the old man, impish like. [...] ’

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Of a surface, rough.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A soldier who is not a member of an official military force and who may not use regular army tactics.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

One who does not regularly attend a venue.

Noun

Examples

There's one neighborhood tavern where the regulars and irregulars go after a hard day to unlax and rewind, throw back a few, and just hang out - you know the one.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “irregular” mean?

Nonstandard; not conforming to rules or expectations.

Is “irregular” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.