happening

[hap-uh-ning]

noun

1. something that happens; occurrence; event.

   Synonyms: case, affair, instance, episode, incident

2. an unconventional dramatic or artistically orchestrated performance, often a series of discontinuous events involving audience participation.

3. any event considered worthwhile, unusual, or interesting.

happening

/ ˈhæpənɪŋ, ˈhæpnɪŋ /

noun

1. an occurrence; event

2. an improvised or spontaneous display or performance consisting of bizarre and haphazard events

adjective

1. informal,  fashionable and up-to-the-minute

Word History and Origins

Origin of happening¹

First recorded in 1545–55; 1965–70 happening for def. 2; happen + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Here’s the investment thesis: Two races are happening simultaneously.

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Neither can most memoirs, but, at 85 years, Atwood’s valediction to readers shares “many strange happenings, incidents of malice, odd dreams, conversations, joyful moments, ghosts, stupid mistakes, and catastrophes.”

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"They test way underground where people don't know exactly what's happening with the test. You feel a little bit of a vibration," he added.

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When pressed, it automatically starts recording 20 seconds of audio, capturing what's happening around the user.

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It’s been a season of unusual happenings, so prepare for a postseason of the same.

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Related Words

• accident 
• adventure 
• circumstance 
• incident 
• milestone 
• phenomenon 
• proceeding