goings-on

plural noun

go·​ings-on ˌgō-iŋ-ˈzȯn How to pronounce goings-on (audio)
ˌgȯ(-)iŋ-,
-ˈzän
1
2
: irregular or reprehensible happenings or conduct

Examples of goings-on in a Sentence

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.
Boy never outstays its welcome, and the spooky goings-on lead to a climax when a ghostly black figure that has been haunting Indy finally, monstrously, appears to pull Todd to hell. Laura Martin, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025 The board oversees the La Jolla Recreation Center’s programs and activities, applies for grants to fund repairs or improvements, receives reports from city of San Diego staff about goings-on at the Rec Center and more. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025 The network is about to take the NBC out of MSNBC by renaming itself MS NOW, focusing on news, opinion and goings-on around the world. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 This only added importance to the meeting between Stan Kroenke, the owner of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment — the holding company of Arsenal Football Club — and his son, Josh, who is more engaged than ever with the goings-on in north London. Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goings-on

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of goings-on was in 1775

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Cite this Entry

“Goings-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goings-on. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

goings-on

plural noun
go·​ings-on
ˌgō-iŋ-ˈzȯn,
-ˈän
: actions or events that are taking place

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