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 Words From

• oc·casion·al·ness oc·casion·ali·ty noun
• unoc·casion·al adjective
• unoc·casion·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of occasional¹

First recorded in 1560–70; occasion + -al ¹

Example Sentences

A safety who usually subbed for Foster to give him occasional breathers had gotten hurt the week before, forcing him to play the entire game.

From Los Angeles Times

These range from "minimal", potentially including occasional mild violence or fear, to "restricted" - potentially containing more mature content such as strong violence, language or lots of realistic blood.

From BBC

Even he admitted he was unsure and there was an air of resignation, mixed with occasional bouts of defiance, about Gatland in his interviews after the Australia defeat.

From BBC

Full disclosure: She was an occasional fixture at dinners thrown by my late friend Paul Reubens, an interviewee in the film who was apparently Spraic’s connection to the project.

From Los Angeles Times

Complete with decadent platters, occasional live music and constant chatting, White has developed a new outlook on the traditional evening meal.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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