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
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
Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
On the Niantic Campfire app, as well as on the Pokémon Go Los Angeles subreddit and Facebook group, players can find in-person happenings across the city.
—Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
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
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Noun
Throughout the year, the East Midtown Partnership has organized similar happenings based on other holidays and themes and ideas.
—Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
On the Niantic Campfire app, as well as on the Pokémon Go Los Angeles subreddit and Facebook group, players can find in-person happenings across the city.
—Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happening. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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