event

noun \ i-ˈvent \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: event in a Sentence

Definition of event

1 a archaic : outcome

b : the final outcome or determination of a legal action

c : a postulated outcome, condition, or eventuality

in the event that I am not there, call the house

2 a : something that happens : occurrence

b : a noteworthy happening

c : a social occasion or activity

d : an adverse or damaging medical occurrence

a heart attack or other cardiac event

3 : any of the contests in a program of sports

4 : the fundamental entity of observed physical reality represented by a point designated by three coordinates of place and one of time in the space-time continuum postulated by the theory of relativity

5 : a subset of the possible outcomes of an experiment

—

eventless

play \i-ˈvent-ləs\ adjective

— at all events

: in any case

— in any event

: in any case

— in the event

chiefly British

: as it turns out

See event defined for English-language learners

See event defined for kids

Examples of event in a Sentence

The article recounted the events of the past year.
the last major event of the summer
He had no memory of the events that happened afterwards.
The accident was caused by an unusual sequence of events.
She likes to arrive at social events early.
It's the only event on the golf tour that she hasn't yet won.

Recent Examples of event from the Web

The Met Philadelphia is now taking reservations for corporate events, private parties, and celebrations.

— taylor mims, Billboard, "Spectra's Brûlée Selected as Met Philly's Food and Beverage Provider," 11 June 2018
The historical society, which welcomes volunteer help, can manage day-to-day costs through private donations and events, said executive director Barry Rauhauser, but the organization falls short on funds needed for major repairs.

— katie park, Philly.com, "Amid weeds and toppled tombstones, historic Montgomery County cemetery struggles to rebuild," 11 June 2018
Last year, a crowd of 15,000 showed up for the two-day L.A. festival and more 22,000 people are expected to attend next month’s event, set to feature well over 100 beauty brands, including newcomers Charlotte Tilbury and Kylie Cosmetics.

— ingrid schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, "Kim Kardashian West to Headline Beautycon L.A.," 11 June 2018
Singapore is not new to hosting high-profile events, including International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group meetings, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations summits in 2007 and 2018.

— Fox News, "Elite Gurkhas from Nepal deployed to secure Trump-Kim summit," 11 June 2018
But while their Tuesday summit is this week's headline event, the opening act left many observers fearing the worst.

— ishaan tharoor, Washington Post, "After blowing up the G-7, Trump seeks peace with North Korea," 11 June 2018
Learn more about the Explorers Festival and watch a live feed of the event.

— National Geographic, "See Amazing Ocean Creatures That ‘Glow’," 11 June 2018
But Nomad Nacional's also turning the Cup into a monthlong street party, with special events, live music, entertainment and more.

— chris foran, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The 2018 FIFA World Cup is in Russia, but the parties are in Milwaukee. Here's where.," 11 June 2018
The annual event in celebration of the Queen's birthday marks Meghan's first public appearance with the entire royal family since her wedding on May 19.

— kayleigh roberts, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle Reportedly Told Prince Harry She Was "Nervous" During Trooping the Colour," 10 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'event.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of event

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin eventus, from evenire to happen, from e- + venire to come — more at come

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1539

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

event Synonyms

Synonyms

bout, competition, contest, game, match, matchup, meet, sweepstakes (also sweep-stake), tournament, tourney;

Related Words

athletics, sport;

battle, conflict, scrimmage, skirmish, struggle, tug-of-war, tussle;

championship, national(s);

final, play-off, semifinal;

derby, field day, open, outing;

biathlon, decathlon, heptathlon, pentathlon, triathlon;

marathon, race, ultramarathon;

heat, round, run, set;

rally, volley;

round-robin, rubber, runoff, sudden death;

dead heat, photo finish, seesaw;

classic;

Synonym Discussion of event

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

EVENT Defined for English Language Learners

event

noun

Definition of event for English Language Learners

: something (especially something important or notable) that happens
: a planned occasion or activity (such as a social gathering)
: any one of the contests in a sports program

EVENT Defined for Kids

event

noun \ i-ˈvent \

Definition of event for Students

1 : something important or notable that happens

historical events

2 : a social occasion (as a party)

3 : the fact of happening

in the event of rain

4 : a contest in a program of sports

Olympic events

Word Root of event

The Latin word venīre, meaning “to come,” and its form ventus give us the roots ven and vent. Words from the Latin venīre have something to do with coming. To invent is to come up with a new idea or device that no one has thought of before. To convene is to come together for a purpose. An event is an occasion when many people come together.