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, swirling skillet occasionally and reducing heat if browning too quickly or if oil is smoking, until deep golden brown underneath, about 5 minutes. —Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

And in later seasons, the wardrobe occasionally seemed to forget the series was set in the past. —Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Add mushrooms and cook until tender and nicely browned, about 7 to 10 minutes (depending on size), stirring occasionally (reduce heat to low after mushrooms have browned nicely on one side). —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026

After Michelsen and Tien finished their two hours of practice, Rodney Marshall, his fitness coach — who occasionally also trains Tien — showed up and dropped the cones on the court. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 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