happening

1 of 2

noun

hap·​pen·​ing ˈha-pə-niŋ 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• adventure
• emprise
• experience
• exploit
• gest
• geste
• time

Adjective

• à la mode
• a la mode
• au courant
• chic
• cool [slang]
• exclusive
• fashionable
• fresh [slang]
• hip
• in
• modish
• sharp
• smart
• snappy
• stylish
• supercool
• swell
• swish
• trendy
• voguish

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

The calculus of Biden and his predecessors was that America underwrites European security, and in return has a huge influence over political, diplomatic and even cultural happenings on the Continent and beyond. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 25 June 2025

The Bear actor took his modeling career one step further at the latest happenings at Paris Men's Fashion Week. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 24 June 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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

happening

noun

hap·​pen·​ing

1

: something that happens : occurrence

2

: an event that is especially interesting, entertaining, or important