刊物 (kān wù) literally combines 刊 (kān), meaning 'to publish' or 'to print', and 物 (wù), meaning 'thing' or 'object'. Together, they refer to a regularly published printed or digital work—such as a magazine, journal, newsletter, or academic review—that appears at fixed intervals (e.g., monthly or quarterly). It emphasizes the formal, recurring nature of the publication and is more formal and literary than everyday terms like 杂志 (zázhì, 'magazine').

This word is commonly used in academic, professional, and official contexts—for example, when citing sources, submitting articles, or describing library collections. While it can refer to both print and digital periodicals, it carries a tone of seriousness and authority. It’s rarely used for casual or entertainment-focused publications, which are more often called 杂志 or 公众号 (gōngzhòng hào, 'public account').