WordGarden.ioevent
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪvˈɛnt/
US
- /iˈvɛnt/
Meanings
Noun
something that happens, especially something notable
a planned public, social, or cultural occasion
a particular contest or competition within a sport
More meaningsFewer meanings
an action or change detected by a computer program
a set of possible outcomes in probability
Beyond the definition
An event is simply something that happens. But it is usually not just any small thing. It is often something people notice, plan, or remember. A birthday party is an event. So is a sudden rainstorm, or even the discovery of a new planet.
Events can be big and public, like a concert or a political rally, or small and private, like a quiet dinner with friends. You might attend an event, organize an event, or simply see one happen. Some events are expected, like the changing of the seasons, while others are a surprise. In computer programming, an "event" is an action or change, like a mouse click, that causes the program to respond.
The word "event" refers to anything that takes place or occurs—a happening, incident, or occasion. It's a broad term encompassing everything from everyday occurrences to momentous occasions. For example: "The wedding was a beautiful event," or "A power outage caused the cancellation of the event."
Events can be planned and organized, like conferences, festivals, or sporting competitions. These often involve specific dates, times, locations, and participants. But an event doesn't have to be scheduled; it can also be spontaneous or accidental—for instance, "The car accident was a frightening event."
In history, events mark turning points and shape the course of civilizations. In science, an event might be a measurable occurrence like an earthquake or a chemical reaction. And in storytelling, events drive the plot forward, creating conflict and resolution.
The term "event" is also used in more technical contexts. In computer science, an "event" refers to an action or occurrence recognized by software (like a mouse click or key press). This triggers a specific response within the program.
So, whether it's a grand celebration, a natural disaster, a historical moment, or a digital interaction—an event is anything that happens and leaves its mark on the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Workplace plans
We have a team event at the office on Friday evening.
- 2
Public activities
The city holds free events in the park every summer.
- 3
Important part
The awards ceremony is the main event of the weekend.
- Phrasethe main event
the most important part
- 4
History
The fall of the Berlin Wall was a major event in European history.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Investigation
Police are still trying to understand the events of last night.
- 6
Sequence
One unexpected phone call set a chain of events in motion.
- Phrasea chain of events
a series of things that happen one after another
- 7
Before an accident
She described the events leading up to the accident.
- Phraseleading up to
happening before something
- 8
Emergency instructions
In the event of a fire, use the stairs, not the elevator.
- Patternin the event of + noun
if this happens
- 9
Formal condition
The meeting will go ahead even in the event that some members arrive late.
- Patternin the event that + clause
if
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- eventnoun
Forms
- eventspluralnoun