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 Usually, though, canker sores are nothing more than super annoying yet normal nuisances many of us deal with every now and then. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 18 Mar. 2024 The more losses that pile up between now and then could increase the Hornets’ odds of landing a premium pick, giving them more of a choice of who to select and pair alongside Brandon Miller, who returned from his one-game back injury to lead them in scoring against the Raptors. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 There is, now and then, a clear accounting for taste. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024 Every now and then, you’re reminded that this unassuming Canadian has led an extraordinary life. Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Most celebrities have to deal with unsolicited fan communications every now and then. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2024 A little indirectness now and then is okay, but don’t take it too far. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2024 Conti will need the time between now and then to setup designs and processes for mass production. Richard Bishop, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Storm attended a few of the games, and the two would meet for lunch now and then. Cathy Free, Washington Post, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'now and then.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near now and then

Cite this Entry

“Now and then.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/now%20and%20then. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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