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 Words From

• oc·casion·al·ness oc·casion·ali·ty noun
• unoc·casion·al adjective
• unoc·casion·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of occasional¹

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

Example Sentences

While occasional conflicts do arise between coyotes and pets, it’s rare for there to be an issue with humans.

From Popular-Science

Huge protests led to occasional violence and a renewed attention on systemic societal problems.

From Washington Post

The second in an occasional series about the books that spurred our love of travel.

From Washington Post

Micro spikes are great if most of the run will be icy but are overkill if I’m just traversing the occasional slick patch.

From Outside Online

The Helix would include an artists-in-residence program and on occasional weekends would open its doors to the public.

From Washington Post

By which I mean, there are some Jews and the occasional Hindu or Muslim.

From The Daily Beast

Contrary to what you may assume about me, I actually enjoy the occasional trip to the mall.

From The Daily Beast

Occasional, more traditional efforts have met with success—the Big Apple Circus and lingering smaller acts.

From The Daily Beast

These days they are occasional meteorological irruptions, white river mists, not dense and toxic industrial pea-soupers.

From The Daily Beast

And, again, I now confess, I had an occasional Bourbon and stoogie on the cuff.

From The Daily Beast

Feeling secure regarding their happiness and welfare, she did not miss them except with an occasional intense longing.

From Project Gutenberg

The sediment contains a few hyaline and finely granular casts and an occasional red blood-cell.

From Project Gutenberg

In that part, it was little better than a morass, from the occasional overflowing of the waters at the rainy seasons.

From Project Gutenberg

American vessels made occasional trips outside the Bay, and brought in captive sailing-vessels.

From Project Gutenberg

Long before we got there the deep-throated thunder was growling over us, and the clouds spat occasional flurries of rain.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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