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 of occasionally

• 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

The larvae can infest any warm-blooded animal, including wildlife, pets and occasionally even humans. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 12 June 2026

Don Hertzfeldt occasionally comes to mind for a similarly pervasive mood of questioning, philosophical melancholy. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 12 June 2026

This is a crowdsourced platform, so there may occasionally be inaccurate information. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 12 June 2026

Continue boiling at a moderately steady rate, stirring occasionally, until thermometer registers 230°F (tilt pan as needed so syrup covers bulb of thermometer for an accurate reading). —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026

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