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
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.
Here are some of the notable occurrences from the Rangers’ Opening Day game. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2025 That sale has caused an uproar in China and Hong Kong alike, with Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly furious over the deal’s occurrence. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 27 Mar. 2025 And, as of Wednesday, the city’s criminal incident data portal still listed the ballpark as the shooting’s address of occurrence. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025 Although the issue of police brutality, along with officers adopting the Punisher’s logo, echoes real-life occurrences, the storyline largely serves to force Matt and Fisk back into each other’s orbits. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for occurrence

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occurrence. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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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