event

noun \ i-ˈvent \

Updated on: 10 Dec 2017

Definition of event

1 a archaic : outcome

b : the final outcome or determination of a legal action

c : a postulated outcome, condition, or eventuality

in the event that I am not there, call the house

2 a : something that happens : occurrence

b : a noteworthy happening

c : a social occasion or activity

d : an adverse or damaging medical occurrence

a heart attack or other cardiac event

3 : any of the contests in a program of sports

4 : the fundamental entity of observed physical reality represented by a point designated by three coordinates of place and one of time in the space-time continuum postulated by the theory of relativity

5 : a subset of the possible outcomes of an experiment

—

eventless

play \i-ˈvent-ləs\ adjective

— at all events

: in any case

— in any event

: in any case

— in the event

chiefly British

: as it turns out

See event defined for English-language learners

See event defined for kids

Examples of event in a Sentence

The article recounted the events of the past year.
the last major event of the summer
He had no memory of the events that happened afterwards.
The accident was caused by an unusual sequence of events.
She likes to arrive at social events early.
It's the only event on the golf tour that she hasn't yet won.

Recent Examples of event from the Web

Follow your favorite schools in the area or around the country to get alerts anytime a sporting event is live as well as view any archived content from the past.

— the cube, Post-Tribune, "Watch: Boone Grove vs. North Newton playoff matchup," 3 Nov. 2017
The 61 service members received pins and certificates from Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) Oct. 17 in Mundelein during an event commemorating their military service.

— steve sadin, chicagotribune.com, "Vietnam era veterans honored at ceremony in Mundelein," 2 Nov. 2017
The family will hold an event Sunday that will include a balloon release and prayer vigil in Kearney.

— max londberg, kansascity, "Mother of missing Liberty teen Desirea Ferris fears the worst: ‘It’s devastating’," 1 Nov. 2017
That top tier boasts luxurious features, such as free custom makeovers and invitations to ~exclusive~ events.

— de elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Sephora's VIB Rouge Sale Is Happening This Month," 5 Nov. 2017
There is no admission charge for the event, and registration for participants is not required.

— faye reeder, star-telegram, "Massing of the Colors ceremony will honor U.S. flag and military service | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 4 Nov. 2017
For this year’s Halloween event in New York, Midler wore an extravagant green and floral dress fit for the evening’s theme, The Garden of Earthly Delights.

— rozanne els, The Cut, "Cardi B and Reese Witherspoon Partied This Week," 3 Nov. 2017
Grand Avenue from Carlsbad Boulevard to Jefferson Street, and all of the cross streets in between, will be closed for the event.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "41st year for Carlsbad Village Faire," 2 Nov. 2017
In 1896, a New Zealand Herald reporter who was attending an anniversary service for the deadly event filed his story to the mainland using a pigeon named Ariel, writes White.

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "This New Zealand Island’s Pigeon Mail Stamps Are Still Prized," 1 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'event.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of event

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin eventus, from evenire to happen, from e- + venire to come — more at come

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1549

See Words from the same year

event Synonyms

Synonyms

affair, circumstance, episode, hap, happening, incident, occasion, occurrence, thing

Synonym Discussion of event

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

EVENT Defined for English Language Learners

event

noun

Definition of event for English Language Learners

: something (especially something important or notable) that happens
: a planned occasion or activity (such as a social gathering)
: any one of the contests in a sports program

EVENT Defined for Kids

event

noun \ i-ˈvent \

Definition of event for Students

1 : something important or notable that happens

historical events

2 : a social occasion (as a party)

3 : the fact of happening

in the event of rain

4 : a contest in a program of sports

Olympic events

Word Root of event

The Latin word venīre, meaning “to come,” and its form ventus give us the roots ven and vent. Words from the Latin venīre have something to do with coming. To invent is to come up with a new idea or device that no one has thought of before. To convene is to come together for a purpose. An event is an occasion when many people come together.