occurrence

noun

oc·​cur·​rence ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s How to pronounce occurrence (audio)
-ˈkə-rən(t)s
1
: something that occurs
a startling occurrence
Lightning is a natural occurrence.
2
: the action or fact of happening or occurring
often used with of
the repeated occurrence of petty theft in the locker room
Choose the Right Synonym for occurrence

occurrence, event, incident, episode, circumstance mean something that happens or takes place.

occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

Examples of occurrence in a Sentence

Getting headaches has become a common occurrence for her. the recent occurrences of the disease Lightning is a natural occurrence.
Recent Examples on the Web Following Liam Payne’s recent passing at the age of 31, the boy band’s catalog is hugely popular again, which is a common occurrence after such a tragedy. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 In 2018, for example, a chimpanzee in Uganda gave birth to an albino baby, a vanishingly rare occurrence in the species. Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 In the rare occurrence of distress, it might be caused by an intestinal blockage due to consuming the large, fibrous leaves. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2024 In general, an overdue library book is a pretty common occurrence — however, one that has been overdue for an entire century is definitely outside of the norm. Danielle Jennings, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for occurrence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'occurrence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

occurr(ent) entry 1 + -ence, perhaps after Middle French occurrence "circumstance"

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of occurrence was in 1539

Dictionary Entries Near occurrence

Cite this Entry

“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occurrence. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

occurrence

noun
oc·​cur·​rence ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s How to pronounce occurrence (audio)
-ˈkə-rən(t)s
1
: something that occurs
2
: the action or process of occurring
3
: the presence of a natural form or material in a particular place
the occurrence of oil in Oklahoma

Legal Definition

occurrence

noun
oc·​cur·​rence
: something that takes place
especially : an accident, event, or continuing condition that causes personal or property damage that is unintended or unexpected from the standpoint of an insured party making a claim

More from Merriam-Webster on occurrence

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