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occurrence

noun
oc路​cur路​rence | \ 蓹-藞k蓹r-蓹n(t)s How to pronounce occurrence (audio) , -藞k蓹-r蓹n(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
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about occurrence

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 What happens next: The key remaining issue is whether military commanders will let robots decide to kill, particularly at moments when communication links have been disrupted鈥攁 likely occurrence in wartime. — Adam Lashinsky, Fortune, "Inside the Private Meeting of Top Crypto Investors and Government Officials鈥擠ata Sheet," 5 Sep. 2019 Since those disturbing occurrences, the town's population decreased sharply. — Caitlin Morton, Cond茅 Nast Traveler, "Creepy Catacombs, Islands of Dolls, and 18 Other Terrifying Places for Thrill Seekers," 4 Sep. 2019 And who doesn鈥檛 love a bonfire with s鈥檓ores fixings (a regular occurrence here), followed by a rousing sing-along? — Pamela Wright, BostonGlobe.com, "Bring on the sing-alongs and s鈥檓ores at Sebasco Harbor Resort," 3 Sep. 2019 The key remaining issue is whether military commanders will let robots decide to kill, particularly at moments when communication links have been disrupted鈥攁 likely occurrence in wartime. — The Atlantic, "Coming Soon to a Battlefield: Robots That Can Kill," 3 Sep. 2019 After a trial judge agreed with the Broward School Board, an appeals court asked the Supreme Court to answer the question of whether each victim represents a separate occurrence. — Washington Post, "Parents, county clash in court over Parkland shootings," 28 Aug. 2019 Yet, each game has its own distinct occurrences and storyline. — Rich Lowry, National Review, "Baseball on the Radio," 22 Aug. 2019 The Corolla Wild Horse Fund recently shared a photo of a two-foot cattle egret riding on the back of a brown horse named Amadeo Jr. on Facebook鈥攁 common occurrence amongst wild horse populations. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, "WATCH: There鈥檚 a Very Good Explanation for This Wild Horse-Riding Bird, Thank You Very Much," 21 Aug. 2019 Officers will be responsible for logging any occurrences when completing an incident report. — Bree Burkitt, azcentral, "Phoenix police must now self-report whenever they point a gun at someone," 19 Aug. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of occurrence

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for occurrence

occurr(ent) entry 1 + -ence, perhaps after Middle French occurrence "circumstance"

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More Definitions for occurrence

occurrence

noun
How to pronounce occurrence (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of occurrence

: something that happens
: the fact of happening or occurring

See the full definition for occurrence in the English Language Learners Dictionary

occurrence

noun
oc路​cur路​rence | \ 蓹-藞k蓹r-蓹ns How to pronounce occurrence (audio) \

Kids Definition of occurrence

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.

occurrence

noun
oc路​cur路​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

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More from Merriam-Webster on occurrence

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for occurrence

Spanish Central: Translation of occurrence

Nglish: Translation of occurrence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of occurrence for Arabic Speakers

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