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
1
: very fashionable : in
a happening hairstyle
2
: offering much stimulating activity
a happening dance club
Synonyms
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
Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 12 Apr. 2024
Occupying prime waterfront real estate in The Wharf, the city’s newest development along the Potomac River, the Pendry D.C. offers guests a front-row seat to all the happenings in this trendy district.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024
Related Stories Related: The Best Music Festival Must-Haves for Last-Minute Coachella Packing
Below, The Hollywood Reporter has rounded up the best official Coachella parties and festival-adjacent events during weekends one and two, plus happenings holding court in the desert through Stagecoach.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024
The wonder Eclipse mania may seem prevalent, but these celestial happenings can be a more spiritual and reflective experience for some, depending on religion or culture.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024
Of all the celestial happenings coming up this year, there’s one that might be the most exciting.
—Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
In a scene reminiscent of one in Twain, Jim suggests that Huck slip away for a while, in a feminine disguise, to scope the happenings onshore.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2024
The likelihood of that happening is increased because the FAIR Plan issues policies, no matter where properties are located.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 1 Apr. 2024
Throughout the evening’s happening, Andre 3000 and his ensemble perform songs from his album along with spontaneous in-the-moment movements.
—Anthony Bryant, Essence, 28 Mar. 2024
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
Waco was already a happening place before the Gaines began remodeling homes.
—Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 16 Feb. 2018
In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats.
—NOLA.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Don’t forget to stop by the Mallmart parking lot after a Friday night football game for the most happening tailgate parties.
—Jessica MacLeish, Teen Vogue, 23 Jan. 2018
Again in 1921, that very happening year, the poet Manuel Maples Arce plastered Mexico City with broadsheets announcing the birth of a cultural movement.
—Holland Cotter, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2016
Noun
Keep scrolling to know the fashion happenings of the week.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 12 Apr. 2024
Occupying prime waterfront real estate in The Wharf, the city’s newest development along the Potomac River, the Pendry D.C. offers guests a front-row seat to all the happenings in this trendy district.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024
Related Stories Related: The Best Music Festival Must-Haves for Last-Minute Coachella Packing
Below, The Hollywood Reporter has rounded up the best official Coachella parties and festival-adjacent events during weekends one and two, plus happenings holding court in the desert through Stagecoach.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024
The wonder Eclipse mania may seem prevalent, but these celestial happenings can be a more spiritual and reflective experience for some, depending on religion or culture.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024
Of all the celestial happenings coming up this year, there’s one that might be the most exciting.
—Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
In a scene reminiscent of one in Twain, Jim suggests that Huck slip away for a while, in a feminine disguise, to scope the happenings onshore.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2024
The likelihood of that happening is increased because the FAIR Plan issues policies, no matter where properties are located.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 1 Apr. 2024
Throughout the evening’s happening, Andre 3000 and his ensemble perform songs from his album along with spontaneous in-the-moment movements.
—Anthony Bryant, Essence, 28 Mar. 2024
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
Waco was already a happening place before the Gaines began remodeling homes.
—Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 16 Feb. 2018
In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats.
—NOLA.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Don’t forget to stop by the Mallmart parking lot after a Friday night football game for the most happening tailgate parties.
—Jessica MacLeish, Teen Vogue, 23 Jan. 2018
Again in 1921, that very happening year, the poet Manuel Maples Arce plastered Mexico City with broadsheets announcing the birth of a cultural movement.
—Holland Cotter, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2016
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'happening.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happening. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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