now and then

adverb

: from time to time : occasionally
now and then we go off to the country

Examples of now and then in a Sentence

we do go to the library now and then, but not as often as we should
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When making the cookie crumbs, stop every now and then and scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl to encourage big chunks to break apart. Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2025 The best part, both now and then, is when the wives finally meet each other and debrief. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025 Like those lunatic trolls who emerge now and then to threaten the children of right-wing media targets, the gooners are just having fun, playing around, saying the things one says to get ahead in their particular community. Daniel Kolitz, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 With the season beginning, here are five predictions for the Warriors’ season between now and then. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for now and then

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of now and then was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Now and then.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/now%20and%20then. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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