casual

1 of 2

adjective

ca·​su·​al ˈkazh-wəl How to pronounce casual (audio)
ˈka-zhə-wəl,
ˈka-zhəl
1
: subject to, resulting from, or occurring by chance
a casual meeting
2
a
: occurring without regularity : occasional
casual employment
b
: employed for irregular periods
a casual worker
c
: met with on occasion and known only superficially
a casual friend
3
a(1)
: feeling or showing little concern : nonchalant
a casual approach to cooking
(2)
: lacking a high degree of interest or devotion
casual sports fans
casual readers
(3)
: done without serious intent or commitment
casual sex
b(1)
: informal, natural
a casual conversation
(2)
: designed for informal use
casual clothing
(3)
: allowing for the wearing of informal clothes
… I had my wedding skirt (yep, skirt—it was a casual wedding) …Rory Evans
casual Fridays [=Fridays when employees (as in an office) are allowed to wear casual clothing]
casually adverb
casualness noun

casual

2 of 2

noun

1
: a casual (see casual entry 1 sense 2b) or migratory worker
2
: an officer or enlisted person awaiting assignment or transportation to a unit
Choose the Right Synonym for casual

accidental, fortuitous, casual, contingent mean not amenable to planning or prediction.

accidental stresses chance.

any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental

fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause.

a series of fortuitous events

casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent.

a casual encounter with a stranger

contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence.

the contingent effects of the proposed law

random, haphazard, casual mean determined by accident rather than design.

random stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure.

a random selection of books

haphazard applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence.

a haphazard collection of rocks

casual suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose.

a casual collector

Examples of casual in a Sentence

Adjective a casual encounter on the sidewalk The atmosphere at the meeting was quite casual. He made a casual remark about her shoes. He's a casual sports fan.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
After being spotted by fans on a casual mall date the previous day, the pair stepped things up a notch for dinner at Singapore's Koma restaraunt. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2024 Then why do so many viewers, casual movie fans and high-brow skeptics alike, pay so much attention? Fran Hoepfner, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2024 In a recent survey conducted by the American Addiction Centers, 40% of food service workers consider casual substance use to be a part of their work culture. Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 His top wasn’t tucked in which adds a casual element to the entire outfit. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 5 Mar. 2024 The casual outdoor picnic tables are also ideal for gathering with a group of friends to listen to live music, poetry readings, or even comedy routines, which are often part of the Chico Feo Soapbox Nights held every Monday. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 Best Clothing Nadia Pape, owner of the Barcelona vintage shop Los Feliz, says that style in Spain is mostly casual. Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 The Club House, an upscale yet casual dining neighborhood bar, is making its debut in south Charlotte this week. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2024 Happy hours and Cuban food Key West is resolutely casual, and there are lots of ways to dine cheaply. Elaine Glusac, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2024
Noun
Red Dog: Red Dog Casino is the best option for new players, casuals, or budget-conscious gamers. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Last week, my colleague Daniel Rodgers commented on her sudden pivot to smart casual off the back of a pair of chinos. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2024 The living room opens onto two dining rooms — one formal and one casual — and a two-tone gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances. Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2024 On Peak 8, this is a solid go-to for great views and a more relaxed atmosphere for your casual après in Breckenridge. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2023 Both wore black jeans, Mr. Altman in an army-green shirt and Mr. Nadella in navy casual. Karen Weise, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023 How to Create a Traditional Casual Style for Your Home Traditional casual is a perfect mix of form and function. Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2023 On the other end of the spectrum, postings specifying ‘business casual’ and ‘smart casual’ have continually declined since 2020. Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2023 This casual haunt overlooking Britannia Bay is perfect for lunch, dinner, and cocktails at sunset, or come for its weekly events like Wednesday night's Jump Up when live bands and local DJs bring the spirit of St. Vincent to Mustique and the indulgent Taco and Tequila Thursdays. Rondel Holder, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'casual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French casuel, from Late Latin casualis, from Latin casus fall, chance — more at case

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of casual was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near casual

Cite this Entry

“Casual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/casual. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

casual

adjective
ca·​su·​al
ˈkazh-(ə-)wəl,
ˈkazh-əl
1
: happening unexpectedly or by chance : not planned or foreseen
a casual meeting
2
: happening without regularity : occasional
casual employment
3
a
: feeling or showing little concern : nonchalant
a casual approach to cooking
b
: designed for ordinary or informal use
casual clothes
casually
adverb
casualness noun

Legal Definition

casual

adjective
ca·​su·​al
1
a
: not expected or foreseen
b
: not done purposefully : accidental
2
a
: employed for irregular periods
a casual worker
b
: engaging in an activity on an occasional basis
a casual seller

More from Merriam-Webster on casual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!