emergence

noun

emer·​gence i-ˈmər-jən(t)s 

1

: the act or an instance of emerging

2

: any of various superficial outgrowths of plant tissue usually formed from both epidermis and immediately underlying tissues

3

: penetration of the soil surface by a newly germinated plant

Examples of emergence in a Sentence

the emergence of the Internet as an important means of communication

the economy's emergence from a recession

Recent Examples on the Web

The rural storytelling and fiddle music on the frontier inspired the emergence and growth of commercial country music and bluegrass music, while echoes of acoustic blues and protest songs can be heard in modern R&B and hip-hop. — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

As the picture rolls along, Garcia shows a more assertive side, relishing her character’s emergence from her shell. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

The war is creating new opportunities for firms like A&M, and Saudi Arabia’s emergence from the conflict relatively unscathed is a positive backdrop, Spink said. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 1 July 2026

The ecological and societal conditions that drive infectious disease emergence are becoming increasingly complex. — Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing emergence

• re-emergence

Rhymes for emergence

• convergence
• divergence
• resurgence
• submergence
• postemergence
• preemergence
• reemergence
• vergence

Kids Definition

emergence

noun

emer·​gence i-ˈmər-jən(t)s 

: the act or an instance of emerging

Medical Definition

emergence

noun

emer·​gence i-ˈmər-jən(t)s 

: a recovering of consciousness (as from anesthesia)