plural occasions
1
: a special event or time
birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions
They marked/celebrated the occasion with their families.
She wrote a song especially for the occasion.
Roses are the perfect flower for any occasion.
formal occasions
a memorable/historic occasion
On the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary, they took a vacation to Paris.
2
somewhat formal
: a particular time when something happens
This would mark the first occasion [=time] that the club accepted new members.
—often used after onWe usually meet at noon, but on this particular occasion, we met at two o'clock.
I heard him speak on more than one occasion. = I heard him speak on several occasions.
3
somewhat formal
: a chance or opportunity : a situation that allows something to happen
—usually followed by to + verb
We had occasion to watch her perform last summer.
The boys never had occasion to meet each other.
She never found an occasion to suggest her ideas.
He took/used the occasion to make an announcement.
4
somewhat formal
: a reason to do something
—often + for
The team's win was an occasion for celebration.
occasions; occasioned; occasioning
formal
: to cause (something)
The program has occasioned [=brought about] much discussion about violence on television.
—often used as (be) occasionedHer trip back home was occasioned by her mother's recent death.
Cite this Entry
“Occasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/occasion. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.
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