occupies; occupied; occupying
1
somewhat formal
: to live in (a house, apartment, etc.)
They have occupied the apartment for three years.
She occupies the house that her grandfather built 50 years ago.
They own another house that they occupy only three months out of the year.
They occupy the room next to ours.
2
a
: to fill or be in (a place or space)
Someone was occupying [=sitting in] my place at the table.
This region was once almost completely occupied by forests.
Their house occupies a beautiful spot next to the ocean.
—sometimes used figurativelyThat family trip occupies [=has] a special place in my memory.
b
: to fill or use (an amount of time)
Studying occupies nearly all of my time on the weekends. [=I spend nearly all of my time studying]
Much of our time is occupied by answering questions from our customers.
3
: to make (someone, someone's mind, etc.) busy
During the long train ride, they occupied [=busied] themselves with card games.
These questions have continued to occupy her mind.
Reading occupied me for most of the summer. = I occupied myself with reading for most of the summer.
4
: to take and keep control of (a town, foreign country, etc.) by using military power
Enemy troops occupied the town.
The army is occupying half of the country.
5
somewhat formal
: to have (a job or position)
She now occupies the highest position in the country's government.
occupying a position of power
Cite this Entry
“Occupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/occupy. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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