incursion

noun

in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən How to pronounce incursion (audio)
Synonyms of incursionnext
1
: a hostile entrance into a territory : raid
2
: an entering in or into (something, such as an activity or undertaking)
his only incursion into the arts

Examples of incursion in a Sentence

an incursion into enemy airspace there were incursions from the border every summer
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.
The marks, which are sandwiched between towers once used to scout for armies and to allow archers and other artillery-throwers to fend off enemy incursions, are arrayed in a way that suggests they may have been left by a repeating dart-thrower called a polybolos. Taylor Mitchell Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026 Although airborne incursions have receded since 2022, the Ministry of Defence has recorded a 30% increase in Russian submarines entering UK waters in the past two years. Alan Crawford, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026 Our Venezuela incursion accessed a whopping 300-billion-barrel reserve. Dave Trecker, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026 The staggering human toll in Gaza, ongoing West Bank settlement expansion, another incursion into Lebanon, and a darkening war with Iran eroded support among younger Americans—even as Washington remains Israel’s indispensable security partner. Ian Bremmer, Time, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incursion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin incursion-, incursio, from incurrere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incursion was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incursion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incursion. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

incursion

noun
in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən How to pronounce incursion (audio)
: a sudden usually temporary invasion : raid

More from Merriam-Webster on incursion

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster