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 Such occurrences are just part and parcel of playing with and investing in crypto, though, and most crypto players are generally accepting of it. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Their occurrence is subject to celestial mechanics and varies based on the alignment of the Earth, moon and sun. The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 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. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 This occurrence also challenges existing theories about the hunting strategies of killer whales, as previous research led scientists to believe that orcas primarily hunt in groups rather than by themselves. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 The occurrence of serious adverse events was rare and evenly distributed across the placebo and treatment groups, indicating no significant safety concerns directly attributable to the supplement. Alex Zhavoronkov, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Pulsar is the first mover in both locations with primary helium occurrences identified at each. Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2024 There’s no word on casting, but the thriller will follow Johanne, a marine biologist who encounters several strange occurrences while researching a fjord, including the brutal deaths of two local teenagers. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2024 The seizure, according to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Indiana, was the latest in a series of similar occurrences for the epileptic teenager. Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 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.

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 18 Mar. 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

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