occasionally

adverb

oc·​ca·​sion·​al·​ly ə-ˈkā-zh(ə-)nə-lē 

: on occasion : now and then

dines out occasionally

We occasionally see deer in the field.

Synonyms

• here and there
• now
• now and then
• sometimes

Examples of occasionally in a Sentence

Occasionally, things don't go as planned.

Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Later renamed the Del Mar Municipal Airport, the airfield was used mostly for recreational flights in the 1950s and occasionally by the wealthy to visit the Del Mar Fairgrounds, according to old newspaper stories. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024

None of the economists said there is much likelihood that the next rate move will be higher — an outcome occasionally mentioned as a possibility by officials such as Minneapolis Fed chief Neel Kashkari. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 8 June 2024

More serious damage happens occasionally to hollies and other smaller trees, but rarely to others. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2024

Orcas are typically seen in pods with other orcas, but Old Thom tends to swim alone, or occasionally with dolphins. —Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English occasionaly "on a particular occasion, sometimes," from occasyonal occasional + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing occasionally

• very occasionally

Kids Definition

occasionally

adverb

oc·​ca·​sion·​al·​ly -ē 

: from time to time

occasionally goes to the movies