happening

1 of 2

noun

hap·​pen·​ing ˈhap-niŋ How to pronounce happening (audio)
ˈha-pə-
1
: something that happens : occurrence
2
: an event or series of events designed to evoke a spontaneous reaction to sensory, emotional, or spiritual stimuli
3
: something (such as an event) that is particularly interesting, entertaining, or important

happening

2 of 2

adjective

1
: very fashionable : in
a happening hairstyle
2
: offering much stimulating activity
a happening dance club

Examples of happening in a Sentence

Noun the President's visit to the school was a real happening for teachers and students alike gave a detailed account of all the happenings of the weekend Adjective This is quite a happening town on the weekends. those are some happening duds, man
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Check out this roundup of Bay Area happenings to add some sure-fire fun to your summer: Jurassic Quest: May 17-27 at Santa Clara County Fairgrounds and May 31 to June 2 at Alameda County Fairgrounds. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 17 May 2024 The chances of that happening are uncertain at best. Jonathan Entin, The Conversation, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for happening 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'happening.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of happening was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near happening

Cite this Entry

“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happening. Accessed 23 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

happening

noun
hap·​pen·​ing
1
: something that happens : occurrence
2
: an event that is especially interesting, entertaining, or important

More from Merriam-Webster on happening

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