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.
Settlers have also made incursions into the Palestinian city. — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 26 June 2026 Among the measures put in effect at the Santa Clara stadium and those in other cities are new protections against drone incursions. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 The incursions showed drone defenses in Europe need to rapidly be improved, the IISS said. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 In 2022, French forces departed Mali as insurgents made incursions into the capital, Bamako. — Kaitlyn Rabe, The Conversation, 16 June 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 9 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on incursion

Nglish: Translation of incursion for Spanish Speakers

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