occurrence

noun

oc·​cur·​rence ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s 

-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

Synonyms of occurrence

• event
• incident
• circumstance
• thing

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

The incident, a rare occurrence for the sprawling metropolis of more than 30 million people, unleashed a scene of devastation in the heart of Delhi. —Nina Subkhanberdina, CNN Money, 16 Nov. 2025

There didn't appear to be any other mention in the game after that strange tunnel occurrence, and Harbor returned to play for his team. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025

One way these recent ones might be best exploited, Rishe and Strode both believe, is through reforms of prop bets — wagers on specific occurrences within a game or event that don’t necessarily affect the outcome (yet also could). —Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2025

Following the success of the first giveaway in 2024, Cathy said the goal and challenge to the team and community was to make the event an annual occurrence — perhaps even more often if possible. —Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for occurrence

• concurrence
• deterrence
• incurrence
• recurrence
• transference
• coinsurance
• countertransference

Kids Definition

occurrence

noun

oc·​cur·​rence ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s 

-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