occasional
[uh-key-zhuh-nl]
- occurring or appearing at irregular or infrequent intervals; occurring now and then: an occasional headache.
- intended for supplementary use when needed: an occasional chair.
- pertaining to, arising out of, or intended for the occasion: occasional verses.
- acting or serving for the occasion or only on particular occasions.
- serving as the occasion or incidental cause.
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Origin of occasional
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
infrequent, unusual, rare, intermittent, random, particular, odd, casual, desultory, especial, exceptional, exclusive, few, incidental, scarce, seldom, special, specific, uncommonExamples from the Web for occasional
Contemporary Examples
By which I mean, there are some Jews and the occasional Hindu or Muslim.
Contrary to what you may assume about me, I actually enjoy the occasional trip to the mall.
Occasional, more traditional efforts have met with success—the Big Apple Circus and lingering smaller acts.
These days they are occasional meteorological irruptions, white river mists, not dense and toxic industrial pea-soupers.
And, again, I now confess, I had an occasional Bourbon and stoogie on the cuff.
Historical Examples
What followed Andrew could not hear, except an occasional roar from Rankin.
Way of the LawlessMax Brand
Burlesque of character and calling puts in an occasional appearance.
The Dramatic Values in PlautusWilton Wallace Blancke
Only an occasional languid motion of the lids revealed the life that remained.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
Only an occasional rasping cough testified to their presence.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
All its gaiety consists in an occasional tree in a courtyard.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
occasional
- taking place from time to time; not frequent or regular
- of, for, or happening on special occasions
- serving as an occasion (for something)
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for occasional
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper