hap·pen·ing
ˈha-pə-niŋ 
ˈhap-niŋ
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
Hadas Gold, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
Southern California happenings After a century, concrete plant that helped build L.A. makes way for a deluxe tower.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 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
See all Example Sentences for happening 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Join 11 others in the comments View Comments But the chances of that happening are very low.
—Hadas Gold, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
Southern California happenings After a century, concrete plant that helped build L.A. makes way for a deluxe tower.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 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
See all Example Sentences for happening
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 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share