emergence

noun

emer·​gence i-ˈmər-jən(t)s How to pronounce emergence (audio)
Synonyms of emergencenext
1
: the act or an instance of emerging
2
: any of various superficial outgrowths of plant tissue usually formed from both epidermis and immediately underlying tissues
3
: penetration of the soil surface by a newly germinated plant

Examples of emergence in a Sentence

the emergence of the Internet as an important means of communication the economy's emergence from a recession
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The emergence of television forced Hollywood to adapt in the 1950s, while the proliferation of cable and satellite channels in the ’80s and ’90s prompted fears that fragmentation would undermine quality. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 The emergence of new technology has long inspired humans to shape our environments. — George C. Lee Ii, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 That progressive sociopolitical stance is evident from the beginning of her career, which overlapped with the emergence of the women’s liberation movement. — Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 The emergence of this trend was in part because of the challenges of getting to a doctor’s office during that time but was also likely driven by a wave of vaccine skepticism. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emergence

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emergence was in 1642

Phrases Containing emergence

Rhymes for emergence

See All Rhymes for emergence

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Emergence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emergence. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

emergence

noun
emer·​gence i-ˈmər-jən(t)s How to pronounce emergence (audio)
: the act or an instance of emerging

Medical Definition

emergence

noun
emer·​gence i-ˈmər-jən(t)s How to pronounce emergence (audio)
: a recovering of consciousness (as from anesthesia)

More from Merriam-Webster on emergence

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for emergence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emergence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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