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 camera moves, shooting her from this angle and that, and occasionally roving over various covers of Christie’s books. —Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

To this observer, Vientos occasionally appears to press at the plate. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Harvey will also be used in pass protection, occasionally asked to stonewall a linebacker trying to make a beeline to quarterback Bo Nix. —Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 11 May 2025

On the contrary, Mercury in Taurus moves slowly and steadily, considering the facts and sticking to what feels right, all while occasionally stopping to smell the roses. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 May 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