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
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 years since, Chinese incursions into the areas surrounding what Japan refers to as the Senkaku Islands—administered by Japan but also claimed by China, which refers to them as the Diaoyu Islands—have become more frequent, with greater numbers of larger and more heavily armed vessels. Ely Ratner, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025 In response to criticism of the Israeli military’s further incursion into Gaza, Netanyahu launched a blistering attack on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Carney, saying the leaders are on the wrong side of justice. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 May 2025 The abrupt stop of intelligence-sharing and fresh military supplies came as Ukraine grappled to hold onto a chunk of Russian territory in the country's Kursk region, into which Kyiv launched a surprise incursion last summer. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025 Pakistan, which said the planes had bombed an empty hillside and not a camp, launched a retaliatory incursion into Indian airspace that led to a dogfight between the two air forces, leading to the capture of an Indian pilot. Asif Shahzad, USA Today, 7 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incursion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incursion. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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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