frequent

1 of 2

verb

fre·​quent frē-ˈkwent  ˈfrē-kwənt 

frequented; frequenting; frequents

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

frequentation

ˌfrē-ˌkwen-ˈtā-shən 

-kwən-

noun

frequenter noun

frequent

2 of 2

adjective

fre·​quent ˈfrē-kwənt 

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

frequentness noun

Synonyms of frequent

Verb

• haunt
• visit

Adjective

• regular
• periodic
• repeated
• steady
• constant
• periodical
• continual

Examples of frequent in a Sentence

Verb

He began frequenting cheap bars.

a neighborhood frequented by tourists

a restaurant frequented by local politicians

Adjective

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 on the Web

Verb

Because so many of the places that M frequents are luxurious, her sections have the sheen of a life-style magazine. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

The Mayfair members’ club played host to over 200 of Swift’s concert crew, who partied alongside the star at the only nightclub ever frequented by the late Queen Elizabeth II. — Ben Jureidini, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Those splash plays are becoming more frequent, whether in coverage, run support, or as a blitzer. — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of frequent clashes between Tehran and Washington since the start of the war itself. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

Middle English, ample, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, crowded, from Latin frequent-, frequens

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing frequent

• frequent-flier
• frequent-flyer

Rhymes for frequent

• sequent
• infrequent
• unfrequent

Kids Definition

frequent

1 of 2 adjective

fre·​quent ˈfrē-kwənt 

1

: happening often

made frequent trips to town

2

: regular entry 1 sense 3b, habitual

a frequent visitor to the museum

frequently adverb

frequentness noun

frequent

2 of 2 verb

fre·​quent frē-ˈkwent 

ˈfrē-kwənt

: to visit, associate with, or go to often

frequents the library

frequenter noun