emergent

1 of 2

adjective

emer·​gent i-ˈmər-jənt How to pronounce emergent (audio)
1
a
: arising unexpectedly
b
: calling for prompt action : urgent
emergent danger
2
a
: rising out of or as if out of a fluid
emergent coastal islands
b
: rooted in shallow water and having most of its vegetative growth above water
an emergent plant
3
: arising as a natural or logical consequence
4
: newly formed or prominent
emergent nations

emergent

2 of 2

noun

1
: something emergent
2
a
: a tree that rises above the surrounding forest
b
: an emergent plant

Examples of emergent in a Sentence

Adjective since the problem was not seen as emergent, implementation of the expensive solution for it was continually put off
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Profits are emergent effects of invention and creation. Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 My work focuses on emergent technologies—AI, semiconductors—with a national security focus, which is what Micron was most interested in, especially with chips that ultimately end up with DoD as the customer. IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2025
Noun
Drawing from her extensive experience in content development for award-winning productions and emergent networks, Luisa will guide participants through the end-to-end process of production, from concept development to distribution. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025 This situation exemplifies the importance of community collaboration and the role of the Solana Beach Fund in bringing together local resources, knowledge and expertise to effectively address emergent needs, the news release stated. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for emergent

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin emergent-, emergens, present participle of emergere

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emergent was in 1593

Cite this Entry

“Emergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emergent. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

emergent

adjective
emer·​gent i-ˈmər-jənt How to pronounce emergent (audio)
: calling for prompt or urgent action
an emergent condition in a hemophiliac

More from Merriam-Webster on emergent

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