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

Platforms are expected to devise their own means to stop this happening.

Read more on Barron's

"What could change the dial are experimental studies or evaluations of natural experiments. So evaluating the Australia ban is hugely important because it actually gives us a window on what might be happening."

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We had no inkling at the time what the public response would be - but it was soon clear that something astonishing was happening.

Read more on BBC

“I want to contribute back as best I can, and take on this corruption, take on what is happening with the Jeffrey Epstein case and holding the administration accountable.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I think some of it was organic in the sense that New Yorkers saw what was happening and started to rally. People are stepping up to defend one another,” Awawdeh said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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