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

With judicious trimming, particularly of the occasional puddle of expository or repetitive dialogue, the play would gain a tauter pace.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Just don’t expect more than the occasional bar or two of cellphone signal.

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An empowered North Korea hurls harsh words and occasional missiles toward Tokyo.

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Closer to Skull Rock Trailhead, near the origin of the fire, a neighborhood overlooking both the wilderness and the sea is quiet, aside from the occasional trudging machinery.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While the public could gain access prior to the restoration, it was limited to occasional heritage tours and some staff access.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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