incursion

noun

in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən How to pronounce incursion (audio)
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

Examples of incursion in a Sentence

an incursion into enemy airspace there were incursions from the border every summer
Recent Examples on the Web The agency recently reported a 33% decrease in serious runway incursions in fiscal year 2024 compared with 2023. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 19 Apr. 2024 Hamas led a surprise incursion into neighboring Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 200 others hostage, with 129 believed to still remain in captivity in Gaza, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office. Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for incursion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incursion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near incursion

Cite this Entry

“Incursion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incursion. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

incursion

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

More from Merriam-Webster on incursion

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