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Definition of happening

happening

/ˈhæp.ən.ɪŋ/
hap · pen · ing
Plural:happenings
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happening Lexical Profile

happening Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Currently taking place, occurring, or developing.

Example

"The journalists reported live on the rapidly happening events in the capital."

2

(informal) Lively, exciting, fashionable, and full of popular activity.

Example

"The renovated waterfront has quickly become the most happening neighborhood in the city."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

An event, incident, or occurrence, especially one that is noteworthy or unexpected (often used in the plural).

Example

"The weekly newsletter keeps residents informed about all the latest happenings in the town."

2

An partly improvised or spontaneous multimedia performance art event, popularized in the 1960s, that often incorporates audience participation.

Example

"The downtown gallery hosted an avant-garde happening that blended live poetry, projected film, and interactive sculpture."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for happening

• Nearby Words

hapless
haplessly
happen
happening
happenstance
happily
happiness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as the verbal noun and present participle of 'happen', which derives from the Old Norse noun 'happ' meaning 'chance' or 'good luck'. The avant-garde artistic sense was coined in 1959 by American artist Allan Kaprow.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Happening. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/happening
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