ONCE IN A WHILE

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does once in a while mean? 

• ONCE IN A WHILE (adverb)
  The adverb ONCE IN A WHILE has 1 sense:

1. sporadically and infrequently

  Familiarity information: ONCE IN A WHILE used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ONCE IN A WHILE (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Sporadically and infrequently

Synonyms:

at times; from time to time; now and again; now and then; occasionally; on occasion; once in a while

Context example:

as we drove along, the beautiful scenery now and then attracted his attention

 Context examples 

Every once in a while, life becomes beautiful in almost every way, and this is one of those months.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

You may need to take medicines every day, or only once in a while.

(Medicines, NIH)

Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while - if they are nervous, upset or under stress.

(Dry Mouth, NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Disorders)

Some people have single attacks of dizziness once in a while.

(Meniere's Disease, NIH: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)

Once in a while she would pass a house, and the people came out to look at her and bow low as she went by; for everyone knew she had been the means of destroying the Wicked Witch and setting them free from bondage.

(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)

Every once in a while, the universe becomes obsessed with one part of life, and for you, this coming year, and especially this month, dear Aries, the emphasis will be on your career.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

Once in a while she looked up at him and nodded in agreement.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)