occasional

[uh-key-zhuh-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.

occasional

/ 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)

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of occasional¹

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

Example Sentences

The stream showed live coverage of local events and picked up an occasional car chase from California.

From Los Angeles Times

With grand banking halls based on those from Soane's building hidden off the corridor, occasional echoing thuds and bangs are the main reminder of the working nature of the building.

From BBC

It was obvious to all right-thinking people that “we” had won the culture war, despite the occasional flare-up of distressing rear-guard skirmishes.

From Salon

Kirk had suggested that occasional gun deaths were an acceptable cost for preserving constitutional rights, calling it a “prudent deal” and “rational.”

From Salon

The occasional times West spoke directly about the film were often in shorthand, referencing movies like “The Aviator” and “There Will Be Blood,” portraits of men whose genius curdles into obsession and madness.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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