noun
Very common
happening
HA-pih-nihng
Happening (noun) means an event or occurrence, especially something unusual or notable. Example: “Nobody could explain the odd happenings in the empty house.”
noun
1
An event or occurrence, especially something unusual or notable.
"Nobody could explain the odd happenings in the empty house."
"The street party was quite a happening for our small town."
"Strange happenings were reported near the old mill."
adj
1
(informal) Lively, fashionable, and full of energy.
"When the show ends, the circular, sunken floor is one of the more happening dance clubs in town."
— Eliot Greenspan, Neil E. Schlecht (2006)
"This is the most happening part of the city at night."
"She loves a happening music scene with new bands every week."
"They're a little noisy if you open your balcony door but otherwise offer a glimpse of one of Disney World's more happening places."
— Bob Sehlinger, Menasha Ridge (2011)
"That new bar is the happening place to be on a Friday night."
How to use happening
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a noun, an event; as an informal adjective, trendy and lively.
When to use it
The adjective sense ("a happening club") is informal and now sounds a bit dated.
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Word forms
- Plural
- happenings
- Comparative
- more happening
- Superlative
- most happening
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nobody could explain the odd _____ in the empty house.
Etymology
From happen plus the suffix -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for happening
evening
opening
widening
awakening
weakening
deafening
maddening
listening
gardening
sickening
fattening
screening
See all rhymes for happening →
Frequently asked questions
What does “happening” mean?
The word “happening” means an event or occurrence, especially something unusual or notable. In plain terms, as a noun, an event; as an informal adjective, trendy and lively.
How do you pronounce “happening”?
“Happening” is pronounced HA-pih-nihng (/ˈhæpɪnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “happening” in a sentence?
Here is “happening” used in a sentence: “Strange happenings were reported near the old mill.”
What part of speech is “happening”?
Depending on how it is used, “happening” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “happening” a common word?
“Happening” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “happening” have?
“Happening” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an event or occurrence, especially something unusual or notable.
What is the difference between a happening and an event?
They are close synonyms, but event is neutral and can be planned or formal, like a wedding or conference. A happening sounds more informal and often suggests something spontaneous, unusual, or noteworthy. In art, a happening also names a form of unplanned performance that became popular in the 1960s.
What is an example of a happening?
A sudden street performance drawing a crowd, an unexpected reunion between old friends, or a strange event no one can quite explain could all be called happenings. The word tends to suit occurrences that stand out as unusual or memorable rather than routine, predictable daily activities.
Is happening formal or informal?
As a noun meaning an event, happening is fairly informal and a little dated, more common in casual speech than formal writing, where event, occurrence, or incident are preferred. As an adjective, happening can also mean lively or fashionable, as in a happening place or a happening scene.
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