frequent

verb fre·quent \ frē-ˈkwent , ˈfrē-kwənt \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of frequent

transitive verb

1 : to associate with, be in, or resort to often or habitually

a bar frequented by sports fans

a restaurant frequented by local politicians

2 archaic : to read systematically or habitually

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frequentation

play \ˌfrē-ˌkwen-ˈtā-shən, -kwən-\ noun

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frequenter

noun

See frequent defined for English-language learners

Examples of frequent in a Sentence

He began frequenting cheap bars.
a neighborhood frequented by tourists
a restaurant frequented by local politicians

Recent Examples of frequent from the Web

The three are South Asian or Middle Eastern and frequented gay bars in Toronto's Gay Village.

— crimesider staff, CBS News, "Bruce McArthur, alleged Toronto serial killer, facing 7th murder charge," 11 Apr. 2018
The couple began frequenting the shop, and were instantly smitten with its husband-and-wife co-owners, Cameron and Pete Moores.

— mike seely, latimes.com, "In the path of gentrification, a Seattle coffeehouse finds a way to grind it out," 5 Apr. 2018
Rempis and his college friends frequented Chicago clubs, including the Green Mill, the HotHouse, the Velvet Lounge, and the Empty Bottle.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Chicago saxophonist Dave Rempis builds an intentional community in jazz," 15 Mar. 2018
Anybody can do a max one time, but what the bench press tells the pro scouts is how often the athlete frequented his college weight room for the last 3-5 years.

— dave southorn, idahostatesman, "Boise State football standout could cement himself as first-round prospect this weekend | Idaho Statesman," 28 Feb. 2018
Her booth proved one of the weekend's most frequented, and not just for the free samples.

— amber elliott, Houston Chronicle, "#HoustonStrong, rose gold, and the royal wedding rule 2018 Bridal Extravaganza Show," 8 Jan. 2018
Residents were quoted as saying that the house had been frequented by foreigners.

— eric schmitt, New York Times, "American Drone Strike in Libya Kills Top Qaeda Recruiter," 28 Mar. 2018
The lawsuit comes amid an ongoing controversy over the data privacy practices of the world's largest social network, which is frequented by 2 billion people every month.

— samantha schmidt, chicagotribune.com, "Facebook sued for allegedly allowing housing advertisers to discriminate," 28 Mar. 2018
Visitors are ushered away from nearby the city’s historic Tiananmen Square, and also from around Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, which has been frequented by North Korean officials.

— charlie campbell / beijing, Time, "Here's What a Kim Jong Un Visit to Beijing Would Mean for the U.S.," 27 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'frequent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of frequent

see ²frequent

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

frequent Synonyms

frequent

adjective fre·quent \ ˈfrē-kwənt \

Definition of frequent

1 a : common, usual

a frequent practice among these people

b : happening at short intervals : often repeated or occurring

a bus making frequent stops

2 obsolete : full, thronged

3 : acting or returning regularly or often

a frequent visitor

a frequent customer

4 archaic : intimate, familiar

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frequentness

noun

See frequent defined for English-language learners

See frequent defined for kids

Examples of frequent in a Sentence

We made frequent trips to town.
This bus makes frequent stops.
She was a frequent visitor to the museum.
He is one of our most frequent customers.

Recent Examples of frequent from the Web

She is known to frequent the north Florence area--particularly north of Cox Creek Parkway or near Cloverdale Road, according to police.

— ashley remkus, AL.com, "Missing woman found, Florence police say," 6 Apr. 2018
Advertiser boycotts have been a potent and attention-grabbing tool in channelling political pressure, and Fox News personalities have been frequent targets.

— jen kirby, Vox, "Fox News host Laura Ingraham taking break amid boycott," 31 Mar. 2018
Police said Luedtke is known to frequent the Essex area, and recently stayed in homes on Goodwood Avenue and Maryland Avenue.

— jessica anderson, baltimoresun.com, "Man wanted in dog beating death, Baltimore County police say," 28 Mar. 2018
Solving Health Issues at All Stages Hayley Campbell is a frequent contributor to WIRED UK, where an earlier version of this piece first appeared.

— hayley campbell, WIRED, "A New Way to Dispose of Corpses—With Chemistry!," 27 Mar. 2018
McCabe was a frequent target of harsh criticism from President Trump, and though his firing was recommended through internal FBI channels, Trump's public ire towards McCabe has tainted his dismissal with a whiff of impropriety.

— gabrielle bruney, Esquire, "Andrew McCabe Was Fired Less than Two Days Before Retiring," 17 Mar. 2018
Airlines have long worked to differentiate themselves, encouraging loyalty by offering generous perks for frequent fliers and those who can afford to fly first class.

— lori aratani, Washington Post, "It’s buyer beware as big airlines embrace ‘basic economy’ fares," 12 Mar. 2018
Later that summer, Lawrence Bommer wrote a slightly longer and more descriptive review of their act: When not spoofing channel surfing (a too frequent target), the Two White Guys' skits are decidedly better than the boob tube.

— aimee levitt, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Comedy / Film Before Peele met Key or wanted to Get Out, he was onstage in Chicago," 8 Mar. 2018
But under Democrat Bill Clinton, the husband to another frequent target of his attacks, Hillary Clinton, Trump gained the $1.7 billion right back.

— jessica kwong, Newsweek, "Trump Bashes Obama but Increased His Net Worth More Under His Predecessor Than Any Other President: Report," 7 Mar. 2018