once in a while

Idioms  

1. Occasionally, not very often, as in Once in a while I enjoy going fishing. [Mid-1800s] Also see every now and then; from time to time.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

once in a while

Is disconnected eating happening once in a while, or is it the status quo for most meals?

From Slate ● Sep. 23, 2026

“We’re going to go through some pain, and every once in a while, an industry has to go through a little bit of pain to reset,” Stack said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 27, 2026

Once Wrobleski’s job was done, he paced in the dugout, interrupted once in a while by a hug or handshakes from a teammate.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

"Maybe we'll try some spicy takes once in a while," she added.

From Barron's ● May 15, 2026

Every once in a while a poem would appear from the Sweet Singer.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck