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

In most cities, these parcels would be the sole domain of single-family homes interrupted by the occasional duplex.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Gusty winds with occasional blizzard conditions, and potentially a few lightning strikes, could come with the snow showers, posing additional hazards.

Read more on BBC

Fighting has continued with occasional Israeli strikes and attacks by Palestinian militants against Israeli troops, but has been less frequent under heavy pressure from the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They came in useful for holding rattles and pacifiers and, of course, the occasional chocolate treat.

Read more on Literature

This Penelope seldom bothered to do, for she only spent money on books, presents, and the occasional soothsayer, and how often did the need for a soothsayer arise?

Read more on Literature

Related Words

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