often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯf-tən  ˈȯ-fən 

: many times : frequently

… are often puzzled and sometimes annoyed by the ways of other peoples …

—W. A. Parker

Synonyms of often

• frequently
• constantly
• repeatedly
• always

Examples of often in a Sentence

They go out to dinner fairly often.

How often do you call your mother?

The condition often returns even after treatment with antibiotics.

I often take a walk during my lunch break.

He travels more often than I do.

The disease is diagnosed most often in children.

They seem to be getting into arguments more and more often.

It's not often that I get to enjoy a day off.

Water the plants often enough to keep the soil moist.

Recent Examples on the Web

Photos that make an issue's cover are often a mix of majestic settings and exhilarating stunts. —Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025

As shoppers rush to finish their holiday lists, grocery aisles are often packed with people making final dinner or gift runs. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025

Rather than set a perpetual quota for influencer content production, as was often the case with YouTube MCNs that would burn out video makers, Roblox’s middlemen generally obtain a game that already exists and then handle further development themselves. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 22 Dec. 2025

Lyft is still not available, but another alternative is pickUP Barbados, a local rideshare experience that is often more affordable than taxis. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of oft

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing often

• all too often
• as often as not
• every so often
• more often than not

Rhymes for often

• boffin
• coffin
• offen
• soften
• tryptophan

Kids Definition

often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯ-fən  ˈȯf-tən 

: many times : frequently