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

And definitely don’t ask how the rest of that team’s run went. St. Louis Blues -20 The early Blues were the weirdest expansion team ever — sorry Vegas — going to the final three straight years and then getting their doors kicked in each time, occasionally ending things with an overrated photo op. —Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

Reading back over her sister’s occasionally gossipy letters, maybe Cassie thought those qualities were just too dangerous to reveal publicly. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025

This test is primarily meant to check coverage, and with its default settings, the E28 can occasionally miss small strips between rows. —PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025

Kate — who has been spotted tapping her husband on the backside occasionally! —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 29 Apr. 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