now and then

adverb

: from time to time : occasionally
now and then we go off to the country

Examples of now and then in a Sentence

we do go to the library now and then, but not as often as we should
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Obviously, that means a lot of things have to happen between now and then. Jayson Stark, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Foldable Even die-hard bikers take a break now and then. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025 But every now and then, antlers peek above the surface of the water or through the trees, and their six-foot silhouettes emerge. Ayana Archie, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025 However, we still can be reminded of our region’s varied tastes every now and then. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for now and then

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of now and then was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Now and then.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/now%20and%20then. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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!