event

event — noun

1. a happening that people find interesting, important, or unusual — for example, a

1.nounA2
Definition

a happening that people find interesting, important, or unusual — for example, a wedding, a storm, a music festival, or a political summit. Unlike an everyday occurrence, an event is typically seen as worth noting or remembering.

Example

The company cancelled its annual summer event due to the storm.

collocation: annual event

Samir's wedding was the most memorable event of the year for our family.

Common collocations
  • annual event
  • major event
  • social event
  • natural event
  • memorable event
  • important event
  • outdoor event
  • special event
Synonyms
  • occurrence

    more formal and neutral than event; focuses on the fact that something happened rather than its significance

  • incident

    often used for something that happens as part of a larger event, particularly something negative or unusual

  • happening

    less formal; can suggest something casual, surprising, or slightly mysterious

  • occasion

    emphasises the social or ceremonial aspect of an event, especially a celebration

Grammar Patterns

event + of + noun

event + to-infinitive

Usage Note

Often paired with adjectives that describe the type or significance of the occurrence (e.g. social event, natural event, major event, annual event).

Common Mistakes

I had breakfast this morning — it was a very exciting event.
I had breakfast this morning.
Event implies something notable or unusual; ordinary daily actions are better described simply as things you did.
The car crash was an event that happened at the corner.
The car crash was an accident that happened at the corner.
For negative unexpected incidents, accident or incident is more precise than event.

2. a single contest within a larger sports programme, such as the Olympic Games or

2.nounB1
Definition

a single contest within a larger sports programme, such as the Olympic Games or a track meet. Each contest has its own participants, rules, and results.

Example

Joaquín won a gold medal in the 100-metre event at the national championships.

collocation: event + medal

The relay race was the most exciting event of the entire Olympic Games.

Common collocations
  • sports event
  • Olympic event
  • track event
  • field event
  • swimming event
  • jumping event
  • team event
  • individual event
Synonyms
  • competition

    broader term; covers both single events and entire contests, with less focus on being part of a programme

  • race

    specific to events where speed is measured (running, swimming, cycling)

  • contest

    slightly more general; can refer to any competition of skill, strength, or judgment

Usage Note

Most commonly used in the context of multi-sport competitions such as the Olympics, where each discipline (e.g. 100-metre sprint, high jump) is referred to as an event. Individual sports usually call their contests matches, games, or races.

Common Mistakes

The football event starts at 3 PM.
The football match starts at 3 PM.
For individual team sports, use match or game; event is reserved for competitions within a multi-sport programme.
She won three events in one day: swimming, running, and cycling.
She won three events in one day: the 200-metre swim, the 5-kilometre run, and the cycling road race.
Be specific about which event within each sport.
Idioms

in the event of

idiom

used to state what will be done if a particular situation occurs, especially an emergency or an unexpected problem

In the event of a fire, please use the stairs and do not take the lift.

The school has a clear plan in the event of an earthquake or other emergency.

in the event

idiom

used when the actual outcome of a situation is different from what people believed or expected

Joaquín was sure he would fail his driving test. In the event, he passed with no mistakes.

The forecast predicted heavy rain for the picnic. In the event, the weather stayed dry all day.

in any event

idiom

used to say that something is true or will happen regardless of other circumstances; used to return to a main point after a digression

The flight might be delayed, but in any event we should arrive before midnight.

I am not sure if they will come to the party, but in any event we need to buy enough food.

in either event

idiom

whatever happens in either of two possible situations that have just been mentioned

We could drive or take the train; in either event we will need to leave before 6 AM.

He may accept the scholarship offer or refuse it; in either event his family will support his choice.

in that event

idiom

if that happens; as a result of the situation just described

The forecast says it will rain all weekend. In that event the picnic will be moved indoors.

She might be held up at work. In that event we should start the meeting without her.

at all events

idiom

used to emphasise that the most important point remains true despite other details or to indicate that something is true regardless of what has just been said

The hotel room was rather small, but at all events we had a wonderful view of the ocean.

He arrived at the party two hours late, but at all events he came and apologised to everyone.

after the event

idiom

At a time after something has already happened.

Maya only realized her mistake after the event.

Did you hear about the party only after the event?

be wise after the event

idiom

To understand what should have been done only after something has happened.

It's easy to be wise after the event, Brian.

Sara admitted she was wise after the event.

a happy event

idiom

The birth of a baby.

The family celebrated the happy event with a party.

Aiden announced the happy event to his colleagues.

in any event | at all events

idiom

Used to say that something is true or will happen no matter what else happens.

In any event, we will finish the project on time.

Diego might not come, but in any event, we'll start.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Event is the most general and neutral word of this group, covering anything from a birthday party to an earthquake. Incident is narrower: it usually refers to something that happens within the context of a larger event, often something minor, unusual, or negative (e.g., 'a minor incident at the school gate'). Occurrence is a more formal choice; it emphasises the mere fact that something took place, without judging its importance or interest. Happening is informal and often suggests something surprising, mysterious, or casual ('a strange happening in the old house'). For everyday speech, event is the safest and most versatile option. If you need to highlight that something is worth noting, choose event; if you need a neutral, factual tone, choose occurrence; if the situation involves a specific, often minor, development, consider incident.

event ↗incident ↗occurrence ↗happening ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • event planner
  • event venue
  • event date
  • event schedule
  • event organiser
  • event management

Adverbs

Phrases

  • sequence of events
  • turn of events
  • course of events
  • run of events

Prepositions

  • at an event
  • during an event
  • before an event
  • after an event
  • on the eve of the event

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word event comes from the Latin verb evenire, meaning 'to come out' or 'to happen'. Evenire combines e- (a variant of ex-, meaning 'out of') with venire ('to come'). It passed through Old French (event) before entering Middle English. The original sense of 'outcome' or 'result' gradually broadened to cover any happening, and by the 1500s it was used in its modern general sense.