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

Mayer was pessimistic about the Shields fight happening, pointing to the weight as an issue.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

When management moved her to a later audience, she discovered there were multiple performances happening simultaneously because her new entrance time was only slightly later than her original.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

It’s happening at the same time as what the company’s CEO described as “the most dire housing market in decades.”

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Recently, temperatures have been cooling down at night, so most of their activity is happening during the day.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

What in the name of the all-knowing Afterlife was happening?

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

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