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.

---

happening British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of happening

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

Example Sentences

“Things happen to the characters, as opposed to stuff happening and then we meet the characters. The show lives and dies on this relationship.”

From Los Angeles Times

I always want to be on the grass and playing and obviously now that's not happening, so that's what is different.

From BBC

There is also what is happening with bank regulation.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I think they would only play that card if it really is the end game for current Iranian regime,” but the market is pricing in some risk of that happening, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

She said she felt "so tired" and "confused about what was happening".

From BBC

Related Words

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