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.
My dad would always play documentaries about prison life and stuff that would come on Discovery ID or, every now and then, even national news segments. Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 Between now and then, Counsell is left with the task of utilizing his bullpen in a way to cover the three outs that used to be Palencia’s. Jared Wyllys, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Between now and then, name and shame the DAs and judges who enable murder, rape and robbery. Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 When to See a Healthcare Provider A little heartburn now and then doesn't usually require a visit to a healthcare provider. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 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!