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
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
Before the game, Hudson was spotted talking to Belichick on the sideline, which has become a common occurrence since his debut at North Carolina in another blowout loss to TCU earlier this season.
—
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2025
Starters coming out of the bullpen is a common occurrence in the postseason.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Selling the house to pay the taxes was a routine occurrence.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
The authorities have stipulated the roommate has been cooperating with the investigation and was not aware of the shooting prior to its occurrence.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for occurrence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2025
Starters coming out of the bullpen is a common occurrence in the postseason.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Selling the house to pay the taxes was a routine occurrence.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
The authorities have stipulated the roommate has been cooperating with the investigation and was not aware of the shooting prior to its occurrence.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for occurrence
Cite this Entry
“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occurrence. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share