english word · 2026-08-24

serendipity

noun

Meaning

The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. It describes the faculty of making fortunate discoveries accidentally.

Etymology

Coined by Horace Walpole in 1754, inspired by the Persian fairy tale 'The Three Princes of Serendip', whose heroes were always making discoveries by accidents and sagacity.

Examples

"It was pure serendipity that I found the exact book I needed while browsing a shelf for something else entirely."

"Their meeting at the airport was a moment of serendipity that changed the course of their careers."

A new word every day

Get a beautiful english word in your inbox every morning. Free.

Subscribe →