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.
Consider Supplements Research shows certain supplements might help reduce headache occurrence and severity when taken over time. Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025 The virtual meeting with each field office's special-agent-in-charge has long been a weekly occurrence, but this week's call was the first led by Patel, who was sworn in as director on Friday. Mike Levine, ABC News, 27 Feb. 2025 During the Something Classic era, The Observer reported, live music on the patio was a frequent occurrence — and belly dancers would just show up to perform, even though they hadn’t been officially booked. Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025 More than its luxurious beat and that ad-jingle hook that snakes through its first half, the song features Drake sounding playful, which has become an increasingly rare occurrence in his catalog. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 25 Feb. 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 13 Mar. 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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