happening

1 of 2

noun

hap·​pen·​ing ˈha-pə-niŋ 

ˈhap-niŋ

1

: something that happens : occurrence

strange happenings

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

The hearing is a happening, one of those unique events … which will be talked about for years.

—Douglas Kiker

happening

2 of 2

adjective

1

: very fashionable : in

a happening hairstyle

2

: offering much stimulating activity

a happening dance club

Synonyms of happening

Noun

• experience
• adventure
• time

Adjective

• fashionable
• stylish
• exclusive
• in
• chic

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

Read on for a rundown of 2025's Halloween season happenings. —Kurtcia Collazo, IndyStar, 30 Oct. 2025

The chances of this happening are obviously very slim. —Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 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