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

• 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

Late public school buses and needing to take care of an occasionally sick child, along with at capacity or costly child care centers, contributed to her precarious employment. —Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Oct. 2025

He was occasionally troubled by Strand Larsen. —Andy Naylor, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025

Cook, uncovered, over medium-low 10 to 15 minutes or until the beef is just cooked through, stirring occasionally. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025

They are known to parasitize crustaceans and insects including praying mantids, beetles, crickets, and occasionally millipedes and centipedes, according to the study. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 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