happening

[ hap-uh-ning ]

noun

1. something that happens; occurrence; event.

   Synonyms: case, affair, instance, episode, incident

2. an unconventional dramatic or artistically orchestrated performance, often a series of discontinuous events involving audience participation.
3. any event considered worthwhile, unusual, or interesting.

happening

/ ˈhæpənɪŋ; ˈhæpnɪŋ /

noun

1. an occurrence; event
2. an improvised or spontaneous display or performance consisting of bizarre and haphazard events

adjective

1. informal.
   fashionable and up-to-the-minute

Word History and Origins

Origin of happening¹

First recorded in 1545–55; 1965–70 happening fordef 2; happen + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

From a personal finance perspective, consider being mindful of what's happening with tariffs and be prepared to change consumption if prices start to rise, without getting too ahead of yourself in terms of anticipatory overspending.

From Salon

He said that from the "very start" senior members of Russia's political system had made comments seeking "to distance them from any involvement in what was happening".

From BBC

It’s happening, with a trip to the Southern Section Division I final on the line.

From Los Angeles Times

That shows the ongoing impact of price rises over the last few years, irrespective of what's happening now.

From BBC

“At the time, there were so many things happening at once out of nowhere, we didn’t really have time to think, ‘I wonder how we’re doing with this?’

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accident
• adventure
• circumstance
• incident
• milestone
• phenomenon
• proceeding