existence

noun

ex·​is·​tence ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s How to pronounce existence (audio)
1
a
: the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence
the existence of other worlds
b
: the manner of being that is common to every mode of being
c
: being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect
2
: actual or present occurrence
existence of a state of war
3
a(1)
: the totality of existent things
(2)
: a particular being
all the fair existences of heavenJohn Keats
b
: sentient or living being : life
c
: reality as presented in experience
d
obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance

Examples of existence in a Sentence

She began to doubt the existence of God. the existence of UFO's is something that people continue to argue about
Recent Examples on the Web Finally, both a gay man and a straight woman could be depicted as the main characters of their own existences. Mark Harris Rf. Alvarez, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 During a four-hour hearing in January, the former sheriff repeatedly denied the existence of deputy gangs. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Language is a living, evolving entity that constructs and transforms realities, fosters relationships, and allows for self-expression and existence. Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 One of those creations is RoboCop (Peter Weller), a law-enforcing cyborg who is programmed with the sole intent of eradicating the city’s crime problem—until memories of his human existence find their way back into his head. Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 6 Mar. 2024 The existence of the photograph did, however, quash some of the wilder rumors and conspiracy theories circulating recently on social media about the princess’ health and whereabouts. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Delving into the rhythms and rituals of peasant existence, Joyce shows how different our land-working ancestors were from us in their understanding of time, nature, and the body. The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 During Ivy Ridge’s nearly 10 years in existence, it was beset by controversy, including a riot that broke out in the boys wing of the school in May 2005 and the school losing its accreditation later that year and being ordered to refund some tuition. Corin Cesaric, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 Share [Findings] Satellite imagery captured ecosystem damage from fog loss, and aerial photography confirmed the existence of Roman military camps revealed by the 2018 Welsh drought. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'existence.' 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

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French existence, existance, borrowed from Late Latin existentia, exsistentia, noun derivative of existent-, existens/exsistent-, exsistens "having being, existent"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3d

Time Traveler
The first known use of existence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near existence

Cite this Entry

“Existence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existence. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

existence

noun
ex·​ist·​ence
ig-ˈzis-tən(t)s
1
: the fact or the state of having being or of being real
the largest animal in existence
2
: the state of being alive : life
owed my existence to a doctor's skill

More from Merriam-Webster on existence

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