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happening

play
noun hap·pen·ing \ˈhap-niŋ, ˈha-pə-\

Definition of happening

  1. 1 :  something that happens :  occurrence

  2. 2 :  an event or series of events designed to evoke a spontaneous reaction to sensory, emotional, or spiritual stimuli

  3. 3 :  something (such as an event) that is particularly interesting, entertaining, or important

See happening defined for English-language learners

See happening defined for kids

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Examples of happening in a Sentence

  1. the President's visit to the school was a real happening for teachers and students alike

  2. gave a detailed account of all the happenings of the weekend

15th Century

First Known Use of happening

15th century

happening Synonyms

Synonyms
emprise, experience, exploit, gest (or geste), adventure, time
Related Words
escapade, lark, ploy; act, action, deed, doing, feat; episode, occasion; baptism, ordeal, test, trial, tribulation; enterprise, risk, venture; expedition, exploration, mission, performance, quest, stunt
Near Antonyms
bore, bummer, bust, downer, drag
2

happening

adjective hap·pen·ing

Definition of happening

  1. 1 :  very fashionable :  in a happening hairstyle

  2. 2 :  offering much stimulating activity a happening dance club

See happening defined for English-language learners

Examples of happening in a Sentence

  1. This is quite a happening town on the weekends.

  2. those are some happening duds, man

1965

First Known Use of happening

1965

happening Synonyms

Synonyms
à la mode (also a la mode), au courant, chic, cool [slang], exclusive, fashionable, fresh [slang], stylish, hip, in, modish, sharp, smart, snappy, supercool, swell, swish, trendy, voguish
Antonyms
dowdy, out, outmoded, styleless, unchic, uncool, unfashionable, unmodish, unstylish
Related Words
downtown, edgy, funky; dapper, dashing, dressy, kicky, natty, rakish, sassy, saucy, spiffy, spruce; chichi, classy, flossy, haute (also haut), nobby, posh, ritzy, soigné (or soignée), swank (or swanky); elegant, graceful, handsome, majestic, refined, sophisticated, stately, tasteful, understated; doggish, doggy, flashy, gallant; dandyish, dudish, foppish; ultrachic, ultracool, ultrahip, ultraposh, ultrasmart, ultrasophisticated
Near Antonyms
cheesy, tacky, unattractive, unbecoming; graceless, inelegant, tasteless, trashy, unhandsome; frowsy (or frowzy), sloppy, slovenly, unkempt, untidy; disheveled (or dishevelled), messy, mussy, rumpled, wrinkled; shabby, sleazy

HAPPENING Defined for English Language Learners

happening

play
noun

Definition of happening for English Language Learners

  • : an event or occurrence

happening

adjective

Definition of happening for English Language Learners

  • : fashionable or popular

HAPPENING Defined for Kids

happening

noun hap·pen·ing \ˈha-pə-niŋ, ˈhap-niŋ\

Definition of happening for Students

  1. :  something that occurs It was a week of strange happenings.

Learn More about happening

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for happening Spanish Central: Translation of happening Nglish: Translation of happening for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of happening for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about happening

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Examples: happening in a Sentence