: often
oft asked questions
an oft quoted statement

Examples of oft in a Sentence

as I have oft said, you need to look before you leap
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.
For example, Pooh is shown attempting to get honey while the oft depressed Eeore mopes in his tent. Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 The Lange 1 Dial Beneath a sapphire crystal is the Lange 1’s pièce de résistance, a dial whose asymmetric layout has since been oft imitated—but never equaled. Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2024 Second, fintech companies oft times have conducted their own customer onboarding and activity screening. Gene A. Grant Ii, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 When not sparring with the resolute Tell, Gessler is oft accompanied by snooty henchmen and a rebellious princess (Emily Beecham), giving him plenty of outlets to flex his wickedness. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oft 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German ofto often

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oft was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near oft

Cite this Entry

“Oft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oft. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

oft

adverb
: often
an oft neglected factor

More from Merriam-Webster on oft

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!