now and then

adverb

: from time to time : occasionally
now and then we go off to the country

Examples of now and then in a Sentence

we do go to the library now and then, but not as often as we should
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The reality star has made a point to switch up her hair every now and then. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Ashley Tisdale still thinks about East High School now and then. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025 Through all this, Hall makes Linda an active listener, alert to every nuance of what Peter is saying, supportive of his worries and interjecting now and then with thoughtful questions or comments. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025 The saying is that even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then. Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for now and then 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of now and then was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near now and then

Cite this Entry

“Now and then.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/now%20and%20then. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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