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

• here and there
• now
• now and then
• 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

The pope occasionally uses a walker or wheelchair at public appearances. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025

Both teams are always there, though, and occasionally have exciting players. —Eduardo Tansley, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

The guitarist was in good spirits, but would occasionally toss out a trick question to test their depth of knowledge. —Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 Feb. 2025

Blake: So far, Saxon reminds me of a fully evil version of Shane (Jake Lacy) from Season 1, with all the white male entitlement but none of the charm or occasionally sympathetic moments. —Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 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