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

In fact, a shining moment for sellers could be happening now.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

“It’s constantly happening, and now the scammers are getting really good at it,” says Sarah Englade, founder of Monarch Talent Solutions in Houston, who has been impersonated several times.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

There's too many of these accidents happening now.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

That’s exactly what is happening right now to Abigail Spanberger.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

Thankfully, a train approaches the station, and Teddy shouts in delight, then narrates what’s happening.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

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