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

Researchers have also documented the emergence of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition linked to chronic marijuana use that can trigger severe nausea and vomiting (ironically, the exact opposite of the drug’s medicinal promise). —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026

The emergence of the new strain comes amid broader uneasiness about COVID vaccination rates among seniors, who are especially susceptible to the virus. —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Core players giving their squad a high baseline is always vital in the playoffs, and the Ducks finally have some chance at hanging with other teams’ nuclei thanks to Carlsson and Gauthier’s ongoing emergence. —Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026

So, over a few weeks in 2023, researchers at Cornell University used small emergence traps to collect bees and estimate how many were living underground. —Adam England, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 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)