The meaning of ENCOUNTER is to meet as an adversary or enemy. How to use encounter in a sentence.

ENCOUNTER definition: 1. a meeting, especially one that happens by chance: 2. an occasion when people have sex, usually…. Learn more.

ENCOUNTER definition: to come upon or meet with, especially unexpectedly. See examples of encounter used in a sentence.

1. A meeting, especially one that is unplanned, unexpected, or brief: a chance encounter in the park. 2. A hostile or adversarial confrontation: a tense naval encounter.

An encounter with someone is a meeting with them, particularly one that is unexpected or significant.

n. a meeting with a person or thing, esp. a casual, unexpected, or brief meeting: Our running into each other was merely a chance encounter. a meeting of persons or groups that are in conflict …

Dec 13, 2025 · (sexuality) A sexual encounter; sexual activity, especially unplanned or unexpected, between two people who have not already established a sexual relationship with …

To have a close encounter with something is to come very close to being hurt or damaged by it. The island has had several close encounters with major hurricanes in recent years.

encounter definition: face or deal with a situation. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like "chance encounter", …

Definition of encounter noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.