frequent

1 of 2

verb

frequented; frequenting; frequents

transitive verb

1
: to associate with, be in, or resort to often or habitually
a bar frequented by sports fans
a restaurant frequented by local politicians
2
archaic : to read systematically or habitually
frequentation noun
frequenter noun

frequent

2 of 2

adjective

fre·​quent ˈfrē-kwənt How to pronounce frequent (audio)
1
a
: common, usual
a frequent practice among these people
b
: happening at short intervals : often repeated or occurring
a bus making frequent stops
2
obsolete : full, thronged
3
: acting or returning regularly or often
a frequent visitor
a frequent customer
4
archaic : intimate, familiar
frequentness noun

Examples of frequent in a Sentence

Verb He began frequenting cheap bars. a neighborhood frequented by tourists a restaurant frequented by local politicians Adjective We made frequent trips to town. This bus makes frequent stops. She was a frequent visitor to the museum. He is one of our most frequent customers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The sources said potential lines of inquiry involve fireworks or unauthorized people camping in the area, which is parkland also frequented by hikers. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, the wine and beverage side of the event will be frequented by experts like Bobby Stuckey, Carlin Karr and Monica Samuels. Raven Brunner, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Bondi’s primary task will be to reshape the Department of Justice (DOJ), a frequent target of Trump’s criticism during his campaign. Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 This leads to more visible stains and water deposits on the sink, which requires more frequent cleaning. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for frequent 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

Middle English, ample, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, crowded, from Latin frequent-, frequens

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of frequent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near frequent

Cite this Entry

“Frequent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frequent. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

frequent

1 of 2 adjective
fre·​quent ˈfrē-kwənt How to pronounce frequent (audio)
1
: happening often
made frequent trips to town
2
: regular entry 1 sense 3b, habitual
a frequent visitor to the museum
frequently adverb
frequentness noun

frequent

2 of 2 verb
fre·​quent frē-ˈkwent How to pronounce frequent (audio)
ˈfrē-kwənt
: to visit, associate with, or go to often
frequents the library
frequenter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on frequent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!