goings-on

plural noun

go·​ings-on ˌgō-iŋ-ˈzȯn How to pronounce goings-on (audio)
ˌgȯ(-)iŋ-, 
-ˈzän
Synonyms of goings-onnext
1
: actions, events
the goings-on in the world
2
: irregular or reprehensible happenings or conduct
tales of strange goings-on in that old house

Examples of goings-on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Arte is co-producing the Rafe Spall-starring Channel 4 series about goings-on inside the UK Prime Minister’s dwelling, joining pre-buyers HBO Max Australia, New Zealand’s TVNZ, Finland’s YLE, Denmark’s DR and Norway’s NRK. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026 Taylor’s series, about the goings-on at a dude ranch and in the lives of its mostly young staff members, also starred Joe Torres, Debi Kalman, Kelly Brown, Josh Tygiel, David Brisbin, and David Lascher, whom Taylor dated in her Nickelodeon days. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2026 Morris contributed a logical note to sneaky goings-on, and Lupus made his silent bit seem credible. — Ed Olmstead, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026 Half of the game's length is swallowed up by me trudging from point A to point B while characters yap endlessly about the current goings-on. — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for goings-on

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of goings-on was in 1775

Rhymes for goings-on

See All Rhymes for goings-on

Browse Nearby Words

going rate
goings-on
going spare
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Cite this Entry

“Goings-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goings-on. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

goings-on

plural noun
go·​ings-on
ˌgō-iŋ-ˈzȯn, 
-ˈän
: actions or events that are taking place

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