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

No one checks these boxes more obviously than Ocasio-Cortez, who is commonly described as, e.g., “the most talented political communicator of her generation” and is, literally, an occasional streaming gamer.

From Slate

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

Though Biden stayed largely out of the limelight during the fall campaign, his occasional forays were sometimes marked with gaffes that provided unwanted headlines for the Harris campaign — evidence, some Democrats say, that Biden is wrong in his theory.

From Salon

There are long-standing conventions for debate in the Chamber, such as MPs only being able to take part with the speaker or deputy speaker's permission and the occasional need for time limits on speeches, as well as stressing that the order in which speakers are chosen is at the speaker's discretion.

From BBC

She also serves as a witness and occasional contradicting commentator.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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