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

Synonyms

• affair
• circumstance
• episode
• event
• hap
• happening
• incident
• occasion
• thing

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is an extreme kind of worst-case scenario fluke occurrence that could happen. —Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

While having smelly armpits from time to time is a common occurrence, there are some underlying conditions or other factors that can contribute to the odor.1 What Causes Your Armpits To Smell? —Sherri Gordon, Health, 18 June 2025

Lightning is a common occurrence on Colorado’s fourteeners, especially during the summer monsoon season. —Adam Roy, Outside Online, 16 June 2025

The occurrence is the latest in a series of leg injuries for Lewis, who has twice torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. —Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for occurrence

• concurrence
• deterrence
• incurrence
• recurrence
• transference
• coinsurance
• countertransference

Kids 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

Legal Definition

occurrence

noun

oc·​cur·​rence

: 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