frequent

1 of 2

verb

fre·​quent frē-ˈkwent  ˈfrē-kwənt 

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

ˌfrē-ˌkwen-ˈtā-shən 

-kwən-

noun

frequenter noun

frequent

2 of 2

adjective

fre·​quent ˈfrē-kwənt 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• affect
• habituate
• hang (at)
• haunt
• resort (to)
• visit

Adjective

• constant
• habitual
• periodic
• periodical
• regular
• repeated
• steady

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

Verb

The whale-watching expedition explores the Bay of Cabo San Lucas, the famous Cabo Arch, the golden sands of Lover’s Beach, and the majestic humpback whales that frequent the Sea of Cortez. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2025

For those who frequent the practice range, the MLM model ($299) fits easily in a golf bag. —Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2025

Adjective

The details of these accounts have shifted over time in Mr. Trump’s frequent retelling of the stories. —Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025

There are frequent visits on off days and after practice, especially from Sean Monahan, who has routinely brought his kids down the street so the families can hang out. —Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025

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

Phrases Containing frequent

• frequent-flier
• frequent-flyer

Rhymes for frequent

• sequent
• infrequent
• unfrequent

Kids Definition

frequent

1 of 2 adjective

fre·​quent ˈfrē-kwənt 

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 

ˈfrē-kwənt

: to visit, associate with, or go to often

frequents the library

frequenter noun