occurrence

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noun oc·cur·rence \ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s, -ˈkə-rən(t)s\

Definition of occurrence

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

See occurrence defined for English-language learners

See occurrence defined for kids

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 of occurrence from the Web

For about two decades, the occurrence has been celebrated in an annual festival that features a parade and a street carnival.

— kirk semple, New York Times, "Every Year, the Sky ‘Rains Fish.’ Explanations Vary.," 16 July 2017
More than a year ago, Lees, 47, began to experience a repetitive stress injury, a common occurrence for musicians who play hours each day for many years.

— janelle gelfand, Cincinnati.com, "CSO's Timothy Lees bows out of European tour," 14 July 2017
A compilation of several computer model runs has rainfall totals across the Chicago area ranging from 1 inch to in excess of 3 inches, depending on storm tracks and the natural variation in the occurrence of mid-July showers and thunderstorms.

— tom skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Heat, humidity to return in Chicago, with storms possible," 8 July 2017
Over the weekend, Sweden's largest music festival, Bråvalla, was the site of four rapes and 23 sexual assaults, according to police reports — a horrifying occurrence that has caused next year's edition of the festival to be cancelled.

— sandra song, Teen Vogue, "Festival Rape Culture Will Not Be Solved By Sweden's Women-Only Music Festival," 6 July 2017
The unexpected can become a common occurrence when there’s a little one in the picture.

— dave ramsey, idahostatesman, "No, don’t buy parents’ a home in your name," 28 June 2017
Darin Richardson, claims manager with the League of Minnesota Cities, said St. Anthony's insurance coverage is $3 million per occurrence.

— amy forliti, chicagotribune.com, "Philando Castile family reaches $3M settlement in death," 26 June 2017
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla, a Dallas resident, envisions such attention becoming an annual occurrence under Dixon.

— jimmy burch, star-telegram, "TCU poised to make splash in 2018 NBA Draft," 23 June 2017
The first specimen of Camarasaurus (Dinosauria: Sauropoda) from Montana: the northernmost occurrence of the genus.

— brian switek, Scientific American Blog Network, "Jurassic Dinosaur Was a Jumbo Shrimp," 19 June 2017

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

First Known Use of occurrence

1539

Synonym Discussion of 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

OCCURRENCE Defined for English Language Learners

occurrence

play

noun

Definition of occurrence for English Language Learners

: something that happens
: the fact of happening or occurring

OCCURRENCE Defined for Kids

occurrence

play

noun oc·cur·rence \ə-ˈkər-əns\

Definition of occurrence for Students

1 : something that happens Lightning is a natural occurrence.
2 : the action or process of happening There's been a lower occurrence of the disease.

Law Dictionary

occurrence

noun oc·cur·rence

Legal Definition of occurrence

: 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