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.
Between now and then the crucial task for prime minister Barnier is to appease the Rassemblement (old ‘Front National’) on elements of the budget that pertain to the cost of living. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Original Banksy street art has even been known to pop up now and then. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2024 Maintain Your Established Brand Marketing assets need a makeover every now and then but be sure to stick to your brand. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 One breed that does need the occasional bath is the sphinx, which, according to an article by Pango Vet, medically reviewed by Dr. Nia Perkins, needs help removing dirt and oils from their skin every now and then. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 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 30 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!