goings-on

American

[goh-ingz-on, awn] / ˈgoʊ ɪŋzˈɒn, ˈɔn /

noun

Informal.

conduct or behavior, especially when open to criticism.

We had never seen such goings-on as at the last dance.
happenings; events.

The American newspaper kept her in touch with the goings-on back home.

goings-on British

plural noun

actions or conduct, esp when regarded with disapproval
happenings or events, esp when mysterious or suspicious

there were strange goings-on up at the Hall

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of goings-on

First recorded in 1765–75; noun use of present participle phrase going on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The boy, as are children in many Meatyard images, is the innocent witness to elusive goings-on.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Being adored without trying, being involved in goings-on without speaking or taking responsibility?

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

For fellow Brussels local Michel Elias, however, the artwork allowed him to reflect on contemporary goings-on in the Holy Land.

From Barron's • Dec. 2, 2025

For many Parsis, it has offered a window into the goings-on in the community, helping members across the world feel connected and seen as their numbers dwindled and dispersed.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2025

Because of living next door to Grandpa, Miss Effie Belle acted like God had sent her a special delivery letter explaining all the goings-on.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023