incursion

noun

in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən How to pronounce incursion (audio)
Synonyms of incursion
1
: a hostile entrance into a territory : raid
2
: an entering in or into (something, such as an activity or undertaking)
his only incursion into the arts

Synonyms of incursion

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Examples of incursion in a Sentence

an incursion into enemy airspace there were incursions from the border every summer
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 first such meeting was held last week at Malcolm X College where several speakers railed against CPD’s response to the incursion of federal immigration authorities last year. — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 Pascuala’s killing came weeks after Asháninka communities along the Peru-Brazil border raised alarms about armed incursions into Indigenous territories. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 The first North Korean deployment began in the Kursk region in October 2024, to repel a Ukrainian incursion, the first on Russian soil since the Nazis. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 Syrskyi made his mark with the defense of Kyiv, the Kharkiv counteroffensive and the incursion into Kursk. — David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incursion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin incursion-, incursio, from incurrere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incursion was in the 15th century

Rhymes for incursion

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Browse Nearby Words

incurrent
incursion
incursionary
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

incursion

noun
in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən How to pronounce incursion (audio)
: a sudden usually temporary invasion : raid
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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