happenstance

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The chance or random quality of an event or circumstance.

   by happenstance

2. 2
   noun

   A chance or random event or circumstance.

   Our meeting today was a happenstance, but I'm glad we crossed paths.

3. 3
   noun

   an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental

Etymology

Blend of happening + circumstance. Attested from 1855 in US publications.