occurrence
noun
oc·cur·rence
ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s 
-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
Synonyms
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
For a period of time, for certain circles of New Yorkers, encountering Santal 33 was a near-daily occurrence at art galleries, clothing stores and cocktail bars.
—
Cassidy George, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024
On April 8, virtually everyone in the contiguous United States will be able to see at least a partial solar eclipse as the moon passes in front of the sun in a rare celestial occurrence.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024
Several people who experienced the earthquake managed to capture the rare occurrence — and their reaction — on camera, and have since shared their clips online.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024
While April’s eclipse has a path similar to the one that occurred on August 21, 2017, albeit moving in the opposite direction and covering more ground, there are quite a few differences between the two that make 2024’s occurrence one to anticipate, according to NASA.
—Cnn Com Wire Service, Orange County Register, 2 Apr. 2024
By Jacopo Prisco | CNN Getting to see even one total solar eclipse is a rare occurrence.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
Everyday occurrences are seeping into the workplace with an impact that demands responses from leaders.
—Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Henson’s vision spawned countless keepsake moments, where mingling with fans while alternating between Hugo and his alter ego, Super Hugo, is a common occurrence.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2024
Storms and wildfires — made increasingly intense by climate change — are regular occurrences and can lead to erosion, landslides and mudslides that block, damage or even destroy parts of the road.
—Annabelle Timsit, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024
Cassidy George, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024
On April 8, virtually everyone in the contiguous United States will be able to see at least a partial solar eclipse as the moon passes in front of the sun in a rare celestial occurrence.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024
Several people who experienced the earthquake managed to capture the rare occurrence — and their reaction — on camera, and have since shared their clips online.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024
While April’s eclipse has a path similar to the one that occurred on August 21, 2017, albeit moving in the opposite direction and covering more ground, there are quite a few differences between the two that make 2024’s occurrence one to anticipate, according to NASA.
—Cnn Com Wire Service, Orange County Register, 2 Apr. 2024
By Jacopo Prisco | CNN Getting to see even one total solar eclipse is a rare occurrence.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
Everyday occurrences are seeping into the workplace with an impact that demands responses from leaders.
—Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Henson’s vision spawned countless keepsake moments, where mingling with fans while alternating between Hugo and his alter ego, Super Hugo, is a common occurrence.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2024
Storms and wildfires — made increasingly intense by climate change — are regular occurrences and can lead to erosion, landslides and mudslides that block, damage or even destroy parts of the road.
—Annabelle Timsit, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024
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.
Dictionary Entries Near occurrence
Cite this Entry
“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occurrence. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
occurrence
noun
oc·cur·rence
ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s
-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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share