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

Ladies who lunch at The George cross paths with ladies who launch (startups, that is), men in smart suits are occasionally gala-bound, and creatives on laptops greet locals stopping in for a drink or afternoon tea under the ornate ceilings. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

The answers will be instructive, sometimes humbling, and occasionally brilliant. —Ann Kirschner, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

In The Mandalorian and Grogu, the titular duo occasionally work with Rebels’ Zeb Orrielos, who isn’t given much time to form a meaningful relationship with the Mandalorian. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 22 May 2026

Ryan stood behind most of the drills, occasionally talking to players, including former teammates Lindstrom and Zaccheaus. —Josh Kendall, New York Times, 21 May 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