goings-on

plural noun

go·​ings-on ˌgō-iŋ-ˈzȯn 

ˌgȯ(-)iŋ-,

-ˈzän

1

: actions, events

2

: irregular or reprehensible happenings or conduct

Examples of goings-on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If mountain activities don’t excite you, nearby Lake Lucerne (a 30-minute transfer by car) offers a variety of lower altitude goings-on, including glass blowing at Glasi Hergiswil. —Alexandra Cheney, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025

Even your grimy London suburb feels unsettling, but then again, it’s plagued by spooky goings-on: disappearances, violence, and wayward theories (specifically from your friend Marty) that there’s a demonic element to it all. —Matt Gardner, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

To catch up on more goings-on in the realm of Dylan, read Madison Bloom’s review of A Complete Unknown. —Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2025

Heading into the trade deadline, The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Joe Smith will update this trade and news tracker with all of the goings-on of the Minnesota Wild, so be sure to bookmark it and return often. —Michael Russo, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for goings-on

• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• chitosan
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon

Kids Definition

goings-on

plural noun

go·​ings-on

ˌgō-iŋ-ˈzȯn,

-ˈän

: actions or events that are taking place