: happening in a way that is not planned or intended : happening by accident
an accidental discovery of oil
The timing of the announcement was purely accidental.
: happening as an accident
an accidental shooting
The death was ruled accidental.
Cite this Entry
“Accidental.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/accidental. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.
Copy Citation
