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Definitions

once in a while

ADVERB
occasionally
Synonyms
WEAK
at intervals at times every now and then every so often from time to time hardly infrequently irregularly now and again on occasion once in a blue moon periodically rarely seldom sometimes sporadically

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But every once in a while, we get a little wink, an ounce of good luck, an unearned gift, a happy accident, and this recipe falls in that category.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

Every once in a while, we review our past stock picks.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Every once in a while, workers dressed in white with hats and masks inspect the process, alongside artificial-intelligence technology used for quality control.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

"A hug never goes amiss either. A decent cwtch once in a while helps a treat."

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

But once in a while he'd go over and visit some of his old homeboys who were home for Thanksgiving break or Christmas vacation.

From "Miracle's Boys" by Jacqueline Woodson