happening

1 of 2

noun

hap·​pen·​ing ˈha-pə-niŋ How to pronounce happening (audio)
ˈhap-niŋ
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The show's final installment, debuting this holiday season, will bring the story of the supernatural happenings in Hawkins, Indiana, to a close — a story that begins in The First Shadow, and hints at how evil took root there long before Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) opened the gate. Dave Quinn, People.com, 22 July 2025 Keep scrolling to know the fashion happenings from the weekend. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 21 July 2025
Adjective
While the overarching trend for fall is still lowest maintenance possible, there's a bit more happening than your typical sunny blondes and balayage brunettes. Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2020 What was once a sleepy college town next to a railroad stop is now one of the most happening cities in the state of Texas. Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018 See All Example Sentences for happening

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happening. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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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