goings-on

plural noun

go·​ings-on ˌgō-iŋ-ˈzȯn 

ˌgȯ(-)iŋ-,

-ˈzän

1

: actions, events

2

: irregular or reprehensible happenings or conduct

Examples of goings-on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ewa also relates the goings-on that day to police in a cellphone video capturing sister Kaja being put in handcuffs. —Phoebe Eaton, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025

While rates are expected to stay put, Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks on Wednesday will be endlessly combed for any signals about future rate directions — and any hints as to political goings-on behind the scenes. —Catherine Baab, Quartz, 6 May 2025

More Art Events There are plenty of art goings-on in New York City beyond the fairs. —Tanya Mohn, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Experts on goings-on at the Vatican say there are already signs of clear potential successors, seen in Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo hinting the vote won’t take long, according to John L. Allen Jr., editor of Crux, a Catholic news outlet. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 3 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for goings-on

• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• chitosan
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon

Kids Definition

goings-on

plural noun

go·​ings-on

ˌgō-iŋ-ˈzȯn,

-ˈän

: actions or events that are taking place