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

Instead, an occasionally bleak corniche winds down the coast from a state-of-the-art seaport — strategically placed 70 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz — past a dusty, sunbaked town of old office towers, hotels, the obligatory shopping mall, and streets of low-rise shops and houses. —Camilla Wright, semafor.com, 11 July 2025

The live feed is usually quick to load, but occasionally takes a few seconds. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025

Castor oil is not a treatment for chronic constipation and should only be used occasionally for short-term relief. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025

Krypto, a little white pooch with a cute red cape, helps Superman out while occasionally doing naughty things that normal dogs do. —James Grebey, Time, 10 July 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