happenstance

American  

[hap-uhn-stans] / ˈhæp ənˌstæns /

noun

1. a chance happening happen or event.

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happenstance British  

/ ˈhæpənˌstæns /

noun

1. chance

2. a chance occurrence

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Etymology

Origin of happenstance

First recorded in 1895–1900; happen + (circum)stance

Example Sentences

Friends and family said it was tragic happenstance that either ended up in their ill-fated seats.

From The Wall Street Journal

What cemented his place there was half happenstance: his no-nonsense, on-the-scene reportage of the 1996 bombing at the Atlanta Olympics, which occurred while he was filling in at “SportsCenter.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It wasn’t Hollywood, exactly, but a recent happenstance just might sustain me for whatever lies ahead.

From The Wall Street Journal

One day, whether through happenstance, the hands on the clock, the phases of the moon, or some secret primordial plan, the moment comes when it is finally ready to sprout.

From Literature

Was it no more than happenstance that she had ended up at Ashton Place, governess to the Incorrigibles?

From Literature

Related Words

• coincidence