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

• 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

Add the white and pale green scallion pieces, cooking and stirring occasionally until the scallions are slightly charred, about 3 minutes. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025

Here are some of her best quotes on matters of the (occasionally broken) heart. —Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

On a stretch of desert within view of a camel racetrack and protected land for ancient dunes — where fighter jets from the Al Dhafra Air Base occasionally zip by overhead — Abu Dhabi renewable energy firm Masdar has begun construction on the world’s largest solar-and-battery power project. —Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025

Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and grits are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025

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