occasional

American  

[uh-key-zhuh-nl] / əˈkeɪ ʒə nl /

adjective

1. occurring or appearing at irregular or infrequent intervals; occurring now and then.

   an occasional headache.

2. intended for supplementary use when needed.

   an occasional chair.

3. pertaining to, arising out of, or intended for the occasion.

   occasional verses.

4. acting or serving for the occasion or only on particular occasions.

5. serving as the occasion or incidental cause.

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occasional British  

/ əˈkeɪʒənəl /

adjective

1. taking place from time to time; not frequent or regular

2. of, for, or happening on special occasions

3. serving as an occasion (for something)

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Other Word Forms

• occasionality noun
• occasionalness noun
• unoccasional adjective
• unoccasionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of occasional

First recorded in 1560–70; occasion + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Fires, thefts and the occasional accident have destroyed or scattered a small number of the statuettes handed out each year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

From Los Angeles Times

"The crew stopped working above deck, and we installed a double watch on the bridge," the 32-year-old told AFP, describing off-hours spent scrolling Facebook, playing computer games and watching the occasional movie.

From Barron's

“I’m not sure I’d be able to concentrate with you two in the house. I’m OK with the occasional Wednesday, but multiple afternoons a week would be too much.”

From Literature

In an ironic twist, despite a dry and mild afternoon in Cheltenham on the first day of the meeting, those who had flown out to Benidorm sat beneath grey skies and dodged occasional showers.

From BBC

Instead, she has got by doing occasional jobs.

From BBC

Related Words

• casual
• infrequent
• intermittent
• odd
• particular
• random
• rare
• unusual