verb
Taking place or occurring.
What is happening outside?
Common phrases & grammar
happening now · something is happening
American English
How to pronounce happening
verb · nounB1Common word
HAApuhnihng
/ˈhæ.pə.nɪŋ/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Taking place or occurring.
What to listen for
“Happening” is commonly pronounced both /ˈhæ.pə.nɪŋ/ and /ˈhæp.nɪŋ/. In the shorter version, the middle vowel is not heard.
Usual pronunciation/ˈhæ.pə.nɪŋ/
Common shorter pronunciation/ˈhæp.nɪŋ/
Meanings & examples
nouninformalless common
An event, especially one that is interesting or exciting.
The art show was a big happening.
Common phrases & grammar
a big happening
Related words & forms
The final n is doubled before -ing and -ings.