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

“The nitrogen cycle, phosphorus cycle, carbon cycle—these fundamental reactions are happening across the globe, but in a wastewater plant it’s happening on steroids,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

“We were hoping that in 2026 demand would ease off a little bit as 2025 was this incredible year with a lot of things happening, but we’re not seeing it,” said Flood.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

To help everyone understand and track what is happening with redistricting and where, here are the latest legal battles over congressional maps we are keeping an eye on:

From Slate • May 14, 2026

What has been happening is that oil demand has been weakening in response to higher prices, inflation pressure and economic disruption, said Kessens at Tortoise Capital.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

She complains a little, but she seems to realize that something bad is happening.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

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