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

As the pandemic set in, Garrison occasionally drove downtown in his Cadillac and met with Claude Kelly, the public defender, in his deserted office. —Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. —Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

While other hummingbirds seemed primarily focused on the nectar, some occasionally broke off and darted into the insect cloud. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026

Add half of the meatballs, and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on most sides, 6 to 8 minutes (meatballs will not be cooked through). —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026

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