Definition of "happen" in English

verb

1. (intransitive) To occur or take place.

   • Let me tell you how it happened.

2. (transitive, archaic) To happen to; to befall.

3. (intransitive or impersonal, with infinitive) To do or occur by chance or unexpectedly.

   • Take an umbrella in case it happens to rain.
   • Do you happen to have an umbrella?
   • If you should (happen to) need any help, I'll be there.

4. (followed by on or upon) To encounter by chance.

5. (informal) To become popular or trendy.

adverb

1. (obsolete or dialect) maybe, perhaps.