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

• affair
• circumstance
• episode
• event
• hap
• happening
• incident
• occasion
• thing

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

Luckily, multi-flare situations like this week’s aren’t a regular occurrence—the last time something similar happened was back in 2010 in what became known as the Great Eruption. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Apr. 2024

Prior to Columbine, school shootings and attacks were a relatively unknown occurrence. —Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2024

Evidence of developing neutralizing antibodies as a result of aesthetic use of Botox is scarce: A recent analysis found that the occurrence hovers around 0.5%. —Taryn Brooke, Allure, 16 Apr. 2024

The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information or events after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law, including securities laws. —Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2024

That seems like a frequent occurrence, but any particular spot on the planet will find itself in the path of totality just once every 375 years, on average. —Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2024

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

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

Kids 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

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