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.
In the renderings, the two pavilion structures sit on a thin concrete plane and are elevated, allowing for pedestrian passage in the courtyard underneath and preventing the incursion of floodwaters into exhibitions spaces. — News Desk, Artforum, 22 Oct. 2026 This approach also failed to deter Ukraine’s land incursions into Russia and strikes on symbolic Russian targets and Russian strategic infrastructure, let alone compel Kyiv to surrender. — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026 Scores of drones have crossed into Romanian airspace over the past two years, with officials attributing many of the incursions to Russia. — Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026 Lithuanian authorities urged residents in two northern counties along the Latvian border to take cover early Sunday because of a possible drone incursion, public broadcaster LRT reported. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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