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

Decorative ofrendas often include the favorite foods of those being remembered. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025

Men who worked in agriculture and forestry often retreated to the cities and towns of sunny southern California for the winter. —JSTOR Daily, 21 Oct. 2025

Kingsnorth speaks, as converts often do, as if the world had left him, not the other way around. —Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

Bring to a boil over medium, and cook, stirring often, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, 6 to 8 minutes. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 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