occurrence

noun

oc·​cur·​rence ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s How to pronounce occurrence (audio)
-ˈkə-rən(t)s
1
: something that occurs
a startling occurrence
Lightning is a natural occurrence.
2
: the action or fact of happening or occurring
often used with of
the repeated occurrence of petty theft in the locker room
Choose the Right Synonym for occurrence

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

Examples of occurrence in a Sentence

Getting headaches has become a common occurrence for her. the recent occurrences of the disease Lightning is a natural occurrence.
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.
While a common occurrence, those updates put the latest jobs figures into better context. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 29 June 2025 These days, Casa Cody has become a go-to venue for all sorts of celebrations, with buyouts of the entire property a common occurrence. Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Hate crimes with anti-Black or African-American bias remained the most common, with 494 occurrences. Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025 And that’s saying something, since bison goring has become a semi-annual occurrence. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for occurrence

Word History

Etymology

occurr(ent) entry 1 + -ence, perhaps after Middle French occurrence "circumstance"

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of occurrence was in 1539

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occurrence. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

occurrence

noun
oc·​cur·​rence ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s How to pronounce occurrence (audio)
-ˈkə-rən(t)s
1
: something that occurs
2
: the action or process of occurring
3
: the presence of a natural form or material in a particular place
the occurrence of oil in Oklahoma

Legal Definition

occurrence

noun
oc·​cur·​rence
: something that takes place
especially : an accident, event, or continuing condition that causes personal or property damage that is unintended or unexpected from the standpoint of an insured party making a claim

More from Merriam-Webster on occurrence

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