often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯf-tən  ˈȯ-fən 

: many times : frequently

… are often puzzled and sometimes annoyed by the ways of other peoples …

—W. A. Parker

Synonyms of often

• frequently
• constantly
• repeatedly
• always

Examples of often in a Sentence

They go out to dinner fairly often.

How often do you call your mother?

The condition often returns even after treatment with antibiotics.

I often take a walk during my lunch break.

He travels more often than I do.

The disease is diagnosed most often in children.

They seem to be getting into arguments more and more often.

It's not often that I get to enjoy a day off.

Water the plants often enough to keep the soil moist.

Recent Examples on the Web

Food sources are often found within 100 feet of their burrows. — CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026

The service Like many hotels in the Vail Valley, the staff skews young—often ski-season transplants and J-1 visa students here for a winter (or summer) in the mountains. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026

Ammann designed the paver for projects such as urban roadworks and cycle paths, where construction often takes place close to homes and businesses. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026

Vendors are often at train stop entrances on either side of Lankershim to serve coffee, pastries, tamales and other snacks to people traveling on the Metro. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of oft

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing often

• all too often
• as often as not
• every so often
• more often than not

Rhymes for often

• boffin
• coffin
• offen
• soften

Kids Definition

often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯ-fən  ˈȯf-tən 

: many times : frequently