goings-on

[ goh-ingz-on, awn ]

See synonyms for goings-on on Thesaurus.com

nounInformal.

conduct or behavior, especially when open to criticism: We had never seen such goings-on as at the last dance.
happenings; events: The American newspaper kept her in touch with the goings-on back home.

Origin of goings-on

First recorded in 1765–75; noun use of present participle phrase going on

Words Nearby goings-on

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use goings-on in a sentence

“Essentially the very public goings-on with the uncle and the way that was handled did trigger us to reconsider,” Scott said.
Dennis Rodman’s Sponsor for North Korea Trips Decides Working With a Homicidal Tyrant Was a Bad Idea | Tom Sykes | January 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
In his more-than-a-dozen books, he has thoughtfully mined the goings-on of the ape world for insights about the human one.
What Can Animals Teach Us About Our Morality? | Robert Herritt | April 5, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The goings-on at Deccan Chronicle demonstrate the state of the industry.
Journalists as Advertisers | Justin Green | October 8, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
The goings-on of the Shreveport werewolf pack and Alcide (Joe Manganiello)?
‘True Blood’ Season 5: Has HBO’s Vampire Drama Lost Its Bite? | Jace Lacob | June 8, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Over a healthful meal of chicken and vegetables, the pair sat and gossiped about the latest goings-on.
Death of a Hollywood Superagent | Lorenza Muñoz | October 18, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST

Yes, if I were no longer worried by your tongue, and if it changed your temper and your goings-on.
Amphitryon | Moliere
If hotel servants know all about his goings-on evenings, what stories may they not tell if they choose?
All He Knew | John Habberton
The white pig, disturbed and puzzled by the unwonted goings-on above his head, had refused to go to bed.
The Backwoodsmen | Charles G. D. Roberts
I used to think maybe some day they'd transfer me down to Hooperstown—there's moving pictures and such goings-on down there.
Seven Keys to Baldpate | Earl Derr Biggers
What I say is, you must give information to the police, and have these goings-on stopped.
Grif | B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon

British Dictionary definitions for goings-on

goings-on

pl ninformal

actions or conduct, esp when regarded with disapproval
happenings or events, esp when mysterious or suspicious: there were strange goings-on up at the Hall

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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