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

In his decade-long career, he’s often been heckled and cursed at by spectators during domestic matches. —Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 15 June 2026

Political observers often float Ossoff as a potential 2028 candidate for president, but he's waved away speculation. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 15 June 2026

The air can be so quiet in the Bates County town of Butler, a rural community of 4,400 one hour south of Kansas City, that when the skydivers, often strapped in tandem, pop their chutes, neighbors Daniel and Kendra Stewart can hear the wafting sound of them filling with air. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026

Layovers are often unavoidable parts of a travel itinerary, but even with just two hours to kill, travelers often want to eat at a decent restaurant, relax in a lounge, pop onto the airport’s Wi-Fi, or maybe do a little shopping for last-minute trip essentials. —Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 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