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

This is your chance to learn from an expert about the many birds who frequent these wetlands. —Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 28 May 2026

Each weekday, students use the train to go to and from schools; low- to mid-income hourly workers ride the rails to their jobs; and travelers frequent the rail line to head for Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airports. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026

Adjective

Among frequent issues cited in the adverse event reports were administration of an extra or incorrect dose, issues with communication about a product, and prescribing errors. —Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026

His match-defining interventions are only becoming more frequent on Tyneside, too, with 11 goal contributions (seven goals and four assists) in his last 12 league home appearances. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 May 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