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 Word Forms

• occasionalness noun
• occasionality noun
• unoccasional adjective
• unoccasionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of occasional¹

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

Example Sentences

If, however, at lunch in a restaurant near his Beverly Hills boutique during one of his occasional visits, a screen idol stopped by his table, he melted into schoolboy smiles and blushing laughter.

From Los Angeles Times

But, as President Joe Biden learned, the occasional semi-normal public appearance doesn’t help once speculation about poor health gets going.

From Salon

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has repeatedly defended the proscription of Palestine Action and has described it as more than a "regular protest group known for occasional stunts".

From BBC

Bar the occasional 5-4-1, United play in a 5-2-3 that aims to push high up the pitch, attempting to win the ball back.

From BBC

Wilson insists she has no regrets about the tougher themes in her books, despite occasional criticism that she was going too far.

From BBC

Related Words

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