occasionally

adverb

oc·​ca·​sion·​al·​ly ə-ˈkā-zh(ə-)nə-lē 

: on occasion : now and then

dines out occasionally

We occasionally see deer in the field.

Synonyms of occasionally

• sometimes

Examples of occasionally in a Sentence

Occasionally, things don't go as planned.

Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.

Recent Examples on the Web

These rates represent a meaningful improvement compared to the elevated mortgage rate climate that characterized much of 2023 and 2024, when rates regularly exceeded 7% and occasionally pushed above 8%. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025

Illogical, maybe, but commonplace all the same, because occasionally our coping mechanisms require transforming an abuse into something wanted, or at least something not so bad. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025

Increasing your vegetable intake may occasionally cause temporary digestive issues. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 22 Dec. 2025

Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden, about 10 minutes. —Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English occasionaly "on a particular occasion, sometimes," from occasyonal occasional + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing occasionally

• very occasionally

Kids Definition

occasionally

adverb

oc·​ca·​sion·​al·​ly -ē 

: from time to time

occasionally goes to the movies