Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

goings-on

plural noun go·ings-on \ ˌgō-iŋ-ˈzȯn , ˌgȯ(-)iŋ- , -ˈzän \

Definition of goings-on

1 : actions, events
2 : irregular or reprehensible happenings or conduct

First Known Use of goings-on

1775

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

GOINGS-ON Defined for English Language Learners

goings-on

noun

Definition of goings-on for English Language Learners

  • : actions or events that are occurring : things that are happening

GOINGS-ON Defined for Kids

goings-on

noun plural go·ings-on \ ˌgō-iŋz-ˈȯn , -ˈän \

Definition of goings-on for Students

: things that happen
  • There are strange goings-on in that old house.

Learn More about goings-on

  1. See words that rhyme with goings-on Spanish Central: Translation of goings-on Nglish: Translation of goings-on for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up goings-on? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

jabberwocky

play

meaningless speech or writing

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  2. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  3. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  4. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

  5. suborn 'to induce to commit perjury'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

goings-on

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games