happening

American  

[hap-uh-ning] / ˈhæp ə nɪŋ /

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.

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happening British  

/ ˈhæpənɪŋ, ˈhæpnɪŋ /

noun

1. an occurrence; event

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

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adjective

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

Etymology

Origin of happening

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

Example Sentences

For a reality check, you have to look at what’s happening at ground level.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

There is, she writes, “something profound” happening under Mr. Erdogan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said it was "shameful" that attacks on Jewish communities were happening "on such a frequent basis" in the UK and agreed with Hall that it amounted to a national emergency.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

“I have serious concerns about this happening through the budget process when it’s already happening through the normal process,” said Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, who chairs the budget committee.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

“Jay Berry,” she said, “you’d better get up. Breakfast is almost ready, and things are liable to start happening around here today.”

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

Related Words

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