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

Cook, until sausage is golden brown, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. —Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026

Simmer the sauce, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026

Incorporating gorgeous long takes and occasionally extended running times — his magnum opus Sátántangó ran more than seven hours — Tarr depicted the human condition as one of intense suffering, but also one filled with immeasurable bleak beauty. —Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026

Serious side effects are uncommon, but high-dose treatment for deficiency can occasionally cause low potassium levels. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 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