eventnoun [ C ]
uk/ɪˈvent/us/ɪˈvent/B1 anything that happens, especially something important or unusual:
This year's Olympic Games will be the biggest ever sporting event.
Susannah's party was the social event of the year.
The police are trying to determine the series of events that led up to the murder.
B1 one of a set of races or competitions:
The women's 200 metre event will be followed by the men's 100 metres.
in the event UK
used to emphasize that what happened was not what you expected:
We had expected to arrive an hour late, but in the event we were early.
in the event of sth
C1 if something happens:
In the event of a strike, the army will take over responsibility for firefighting.
in any event C1 UK also at all events
whatever happens:
I might go home next month, but in any event, I'll be home for Christmas.
in either event
in either of two situations:
I can't decide whether to accept the New York or the Chicago job, but in either event I'll have to move.
in that event
if that happens:
There's a possibility of my flight being delayed. In that event I'll phone to let you know.
More examples
- The summer fête will be the school's main fundraising event this year.
- The event got off to a shaky start with the stage lights failing in the first few minutes.
- Television camera crews broadcast the event all round the world.
- A committee has been set up to organize social events in the college.
- The police are trying to determine the series of events that led up to the murder.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Events and occurrences
- -athon
- a close call idiom
- a close/near thing idiom
- action
- all-nighter
- back story
- be (all) part of life's rich tapestry/pageant idiom
- call
- development
- goings-on
- happening
- incident
- jamboree
- life event
- past
- spree
- synchronicity
- thing
- to-ing and fro-ing
- turn of events
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Athletics
Parts & stages of competitions
Not expected or planned
Occurring and happening