Macmillan Dictionary

Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

event

 - definition
 
 
 
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
noun American English pronunciation: event /ɪˈvent/ 
Word Forms
Close
singularevent
pluralevents
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    [countable] something that happens, especially something that involves several people

    the most traumatic event of my life

    a chain/sequence/series of events:

    The investigation uncovered a chain of events that could have been prevented.

    events surrounding something:

    Police questioned witnesses about the events surrounding his death.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of event
    1. a.

      events

       [plural] used in a general way to talk about a combination of things that happen

      Events conspired to bring the two lovers together.

      events unfold:

      We are watching to see how events will unfold.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of event
  2. 2
    [countable] an organized occasion such as a party or sports competition

    Our next event is a dinner dance on the 18th.

    The concert is an annual event.

    stage/organize an event:

    They are very good at staging international sporting events.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of event
    1. a.
      a particular planned activity that takes place during an occasion such as a sports competition

      She won the first event.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of event
    2. b.
      a particular type of activity in track and field

      The javelin is her best event.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of event
    See also  three-day event

phrases

This is the American English definition of event. View British English definition of event.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

charticle

a news article that consists of a chart … and only has a small amount of text

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

electron

a part of an atom that moves around the nucleus (=centre) and has a negative electrical charge

Open Dictionary

never event

an event that should never occur in a healthcare setting …

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog