Definition of "occasion" []

• An event or happening; an incident. (noun)
• The time at which an event occurs. (noun)
• A significant event. (noun)
• A favorable or appropriate time or juncture; an opportunity. See Synonyms at opportunity. (noun)
• Something that brings on or precipitates an action, condition, or event, especially the immediate cause. See Synonyms at cause. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "For once in your life can't you keep your whining at home and think of others and what the occasion is about?"
• "Here in the United States, the occasion is a timely reminder of the importance of home in our cities and in our communities."
• "On the other hand, if the occasion is a job interview, then perhaps the dreaded pants-suit should be stomached."