noun
accident
AK-sih-duhnt
noun
1
An unplanned event, often unfortunate, that happens without anyone intending it.
"It was an accident — I didn't mean to break the vase."
2
A crash involving a vehicle or other form of transport.
"Traffic was backed up for miles after the accident on the freeway."
How to Use Accident
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that happens unintentionally, or specifically a vehicle crash.
Common pairings
car accident
by accident
accident-prone
Word Forms
accidents plural
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It was an _____ — I didn't mean to break the vase.
Etymology
From Latin accidens, "happening," from accidere, "to fall upon" or "to occur," built from ad- ("to") plus cadere ("to fall").