The meaning of HAPPEN is to occur by chance —often used with it. How to use happen in a sentence.

If a situation or event happens to someone or something, it has an effect on that person or thing:

as it happens/happened used when you say something that is surprising, or something connected with what somebody else has just said I agree with you, as it happens. As it happens, I have a spare set …

What is a basic definition of happen? Happen means to occur, to come to pass by chance, or to befall someone or something. Happen has several other senses as a verb. Happen is a very general word …

Apr 29, 2026 · happen (third-person singular simple present happens, present participle happening, simple past and past participle happened) (intransitive) To occur or take place.

When something happens, it occurs or is done without being planned. Tell me what happened.

1. to take place; come to pass; occur. 2. to come to pass by chance; occur without apparent reason or design. 3. to have the fortune or lot (to do or be as specified); chance: I happened to see him on the …

Happen, chance, occur refer to the taking place of an event. Happen, which originally denoted the taking place by hap or chance, is now the most general word for coming to pass: Something has happened. …

happen meaning, definition, what is happen: when something happens, there is an even...: Learn more.

Learn the meaning and correct usage of "happens". Our guide provides clear grammar rules and real-world examples from authoritative sources to help you write with confidence.