frequent

American  

[free-kwuhnt, fri-kwent, free-kwuhnt] / ˈfri kwənt, frɪˈkwɛnt, ˈfri kwənt /

adjective

1. happening or occurring at short intervals.

   to make frequent trips to Tokyo.

2. constant, habitual, or regular.

   a frequent guest.

3. located at short distances apart.

   frequent towns along the shore.

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verb (used with object)

1. to visit often; go often to; be often in.

   to frequent the art galleries.

frequent British  

adjective

1. recurring at short intervals

2. constant or habitual

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verb

1. (tr) to visit repeatedly or habitually

Other Word Forms

• frequentable adjective
• frequenter noun
• frequently adverb
• frequentness noun
• nonfrequent adjective
• nonfrequently adverb
• overfrequent adjective
• overfrequently adverb
• unfrequent adjective
• unfrequentable adjective
• unfrequently adverb
• well-frequented adjective

Etymology

Origin of frequent

First recorded in 1400–50; (for the adjective) late Middle English: “ample, profuse,” from Latin frequent-, stem of frequēns “crowded, full, repeated”; verb derivative of the adjective

Explanation

Use the adjective frequent to describe something done often and at regular intervals. If your family likes to read, you may be a frequent visitor to the library. You may also have frequent arguments with your family about who gets to read a book first. The adjective form of frequent also means regularly and often encountered. If you live on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii, you may experience frequent rain showers. As a verb, frequent means to be a regular visitor or to patronize. You can frequent the trails of the National Parks. You may prefer to frequent locally-owned businesses.

Example Sentences

But the Oruka products could allow less frequent injections and might work together in powerful combination.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Southern California may experience more frequent rainstorms this fall and winter when a powerful El Niño system is expected to be in full effect.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

“This could make cyberattacks of all kinds much more frequent and destructive, and empower adversaries of the United States and its allies.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

It’s a subtle shift where “treat yourself” moments — like frequent dinners out or luxury upgrades — slowly morph into consistent, insidious monthly expenses.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Here, a small fire of sod flickered on a tiny, ash-laden hearth, and gave out frequent puffs of sharp, nose-tingling smoke.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

• commonplace
• constant
• continual
• incessant
• intermittent
• numerous
• periodic
• persistent
• recurrent
• usual