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

• here and there
• now
• now and then
• 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

While the videos were being played, Diddy sat at the defense table, occasionally tapping his fingers on his legs. —Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025

The company conducts regular audits, uses independent pricing data, and does not hold inventory itself, removing conflicts of interest that have occasionally undermined the space. —Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

But there were quieter, more beautiful paintings, too—filled with Orlik’s odd, occasionally prophetic imagination. —Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 June 2025

And occasionally, the judiciary and other adjudicating bodies still push back on the executive’s overreach. —Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 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