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
By better understanding this process, scientists can learn more about the functions of the planet and what happens beneath its surface, including the occurrence of earthquakes that have been linked to this process, McMillan said.
—
Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
The state has seen multiple chaotic occurrences at school board meetings in recent months related to debates over trans athlete inclusion.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Researchers measured the occurrence and durations of the dogs' gaze at their owners after hearing a familiar phrase.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
By assembling eyewitness reports, testimonies submitted to the Marine Observer journal and satellite data, the pair of researchers identified 415 occurrences of the strange phenomenon throughout history.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for occurrence
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Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
The state has seen multiple chaotic occurrences at school board meetings in recent months related to debates over trans athlete inclusion.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Researchers measured the occurrence and durations of the dogs' gaze at their owners after hearing a familiar phrase.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
By assembling eyewitness reports, testimonies submitted to the Marine Observer journal and satellite data, the pair of researchers identified 415 occurrences of the strange phenomenon throughout history.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 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 Apr. 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
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