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

• 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

Other liberty trees soon arose, and patriots often gathered beneath the branches seeking wisdom and support. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025

Outdoors, scales often are controlled by natural predators, such as parasitic wasps. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 June 2025

Those underground markets — often hosted on the dark web — create demand for cybercriminals to steal personal information and then sell that to scammers. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 26 June 2025

Human smugglers, often linked to drug cartels, have used tunnels, ladders and power tools to cross walls. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 26 June 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