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 second-best story in the bullpen was the emergence of left-hander Reid Detmers, who was moved out of the rotation. —Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026

There will be a legitimate emergence — perhaps multiple — in 2026. —Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Sportico wrote earlier this week about the broader emergence of Olympians as social media sensations. —Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Even with Watson’s emergence, there is no one else like him. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 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)