emergence

American  

[ih-mur-juhns] / ɪˈmɜr dʒəns /

noun

emergences plural

1. the act or process of emerging.

2. an outgrowth, as a prickle, on the surface of a plant.

3. Evolution. the appearance of new properties or species in the course of development or evolution.

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emergence British  

/ ɪˈmɜːdʒəns /

noun

1. the act or process of emerging

2. an outgrowth, such as a prickle, that contains no vascular tissue and does not develop into stem, leaf, etc

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonemergence
  noun
• reemergence
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• emergences
  plural

Etymology

Origin of emergence

First recorded in 1640–50; from French, from Medieval Latin; see emergency

Explanation

An emergence is when something comes into view — like the emergence of a seedling in a garden or the famous emergence of Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day — which is supposed to show how soon spring will "emerge." Emergence is a noun that goes back to the Latin root emergere, meaning "bring to light," and it came into English in the 17th century. Just as something comes to light or shows up where there was darkness or nothing before, an emergence happens — like new technologies such as the emergence of e-readers. Pronouncing emergence is the same as pronouncing emergency but without the long e sound at the end.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

emergence emergences

"So long as such behaviour by the United States continues, we cannot be hopeful about the emergence of a reasonable process," he said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026

Such an interpretation could provide new ways to investigate the relationships among gravity, quantum theory, dark energy, cosmic evolution, and the emergence of complex structures.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 21, 2026

But the emergence of low-cost Chinese AI isn’t necessarily a bad thing for U.S. semiconductor heavyweights that have seen their shares soar on strong demand for expensive AI hardware, according to some analysts.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

But the emergence of Atlas stunned many Hyundai workers and union officials in South Korea.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Were they all really bounded by a single day, by one period of unbroken wakefulness, from the innocent rehearsals of her play to the emergence of the giant from the mist?

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said it was "a landmark step forward for Wales" with the climate and nature emergences "intensifying around us".

From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2026

Every time periodical cicadas arrive in the United States, they bring a sense of wonder with them — their long intervals underground and their perfectly timed mass emergences are fascinating, even to experts.

From Seattle Times ● May 13, 2024

Yet, the 2024 emergences are not being overhyped, say scientists.

From Slate ● Apr. 14, 2024

But scientists are warning that early cicada emergences could become more frequent as climate change ushers in earlier springs and longer periods of warmth.

From National Geographic ● Sep. 5, 2023

The enemy has surprised me—but the only remedy in such emergences, is to show a good countenance.

From The Heiress; a comedy, in five acts by Burgoyne, John

Related Words

• development
• evolution