occasional Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite occurring from time to time
    • took an occasional glass of wine
  2. adjective satellite occurring or appearing at usually irregular intervals
    episodic.
    • episodic in his affections
    • occasional headaches
  3. adjective satellite occurring from time to time
    casual.
    • casual employment
    • a casual correspondence with a former teacher
    • an occasional worker
  4. adjective satellite recurring or reappearing from time to time
    periodic.
    • periodic feelings of anxiety

WordNet

Oc*ca"sion*al adjective
Etymology
Cf.F. occasionnel.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to an occasion or to occasions; occuring at times, but not constant, regular, or systematic; made or happening as opportunity requires or admits; casual; incidental; as, occasional remarks, or efforts.
    The... occasional writing of the present times. Bagehot.
  2. Produced by accident; as, the occasional origin of a thing. Obs. Sir T. Browne.

Webster 1913