event

noun \ i-ˈvent \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 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

His family recalls an event from their childhood that defined their father.

— anne m. hamilton, courant.com, "He Brought His Skill For Teaching, Knack For Colonial Buildings To Coventry," 15 July 2018
Jesse Macias, assistant events operation manager, said business was brisk at the Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ food truck.

— peter marteka, Courant Community, "Riverfront Food Truck Festival Draws Thousands Before Fireworks," 15 July 2018
Admission: Free event for the general public with many free areas along the Milwaukee lakefront, from North to South.

— elaine rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Summer Guide July 15-21: Festivals and free concerts," 14 July 2018
Surveillance footage played in court shows Piazza falling repeatedly, including down a flight of stairs, following the event that involving heavy drinking.

— BostonGlobe.com, "The NFL awarded three grants for player safety research. Here’s a closer look at the companies - The Boston Globe," 14 July 2018
This calendar includes events taking place in Davie, Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and Weston.

— mary lou cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Davie area events July 18-28," 14 July 2018
But remember, scammers love to tap into big events to try to catch you off guard.

— susan tompor, Detroit Free Press, "Amazon Prime Day: Gift cards, coupons and other scams to watch for," 14 July 2018
The event that turns 65 this year has evolved … sort of.

— bryce miller, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Cover your ears: Over-the-Line evolves, but the raunchy team names remain," 14 July 2018
Although the official start date falls on Friday, July 20, Nordstrom is allowing all cardmembers the chance to jump on the event before any one else with an early access sale that kicks off today.

— refinery29.com, "How To Shop Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale Before Everyone Else," 13 July 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.