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
Jasmine Browley, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024
Follow along with all of the happenings at Coachella on Saturday with The Times’ August Brown, Danielle Dorsey, Vanessa Franko, Nate Jackson and Mikael Wood.
—Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for happening 
Noun
Two historic happenings have taken place in Illinois.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024
Follow along with all of the happenings at Coachella on Saturday with The Times’ August Brown, Danielle Dorsey, Vanessa Franko, Nate Jackson and Mikael Wood.
—Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for happening
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.
Articles Related to happening
Dictionary Entries Near happening
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happening. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share