occasionally
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of occasionally
First recorded in 1615–25; occasional + -ly
Explanation
Something that happens occasionally doesn't happen all the time, just every once in a while. You play poker occasionally just to remind yourself that you always lose. The adverb occasionally is good for things that happen every now and then. You get tired of the cold occasionally, but the snow is lovely. Occasionally, you think of your long lost love, but never write. The idea comes to you occasionally that you should move somewhere with more people and warmer weather. I worry about you occasionally.
Vocabulary lists containing occasionally
"Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" by Joyce Carol Oates
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Excerpt from "Bad Boy"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Only occasionally, like in this case or that of the MrBeast video editor who traded markets related to his boss’s videos, the trader is dumb enough to get into either legal or financial trouble.
From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026
The White House has not named an official replacement, and reportedly senior officials such as Vice President JD Vance may occasionally hold press conferences at the White House in her absence.
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
The stock, which has occasionally been swept up in meme trades over recent years, has fallen nearly 63% over the past 12 months.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026
She occasionally worried if they could afford their lifestyle, but brushed aside her concerns.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026
Breezes ruffled its surface, and occasionally a tiger fish leaped after a low-flying dragonfly.
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
