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Showing Results for "making"
See Also:
  • present participle of make.
Synonyms

making

American  
[mey-king] / ˈmeɪ kɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act of a person or thing that makes.

    The making of a violin requires great skill.

  2. structure; constitution; makeup.

  3. the means or cause of success or advancement.

    to be the making of someone.

  4. Usually makings. capacity or potential.

    He has the makings of a first-rate officer.

  5. makings,

    1. material of which something may be made.

      the makings for a tossed salad.

    2. Older Slang. paper and tobacco with which to make a hand-rolled cigarette.

  6. something made.

  7. the quantity made.

    a making of butter.


idioms

  1. in the making, in the process of being made; developing or evolving; growing.

    Our space scientists see history in the making.

making British  
/ ˈmeɪkɪŋ /

noun

    1. the act of a person or thing that makes or the process of being made

    2. ( in combination )

      watchmaking

  1. to cause the success of

  2. in the process of becoming or being made

    a politician in the making

  3. something made or the quantity of something made at one time

  4. make-up; composition

"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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of making

First recorded before 1150; Middle English; Old English macung; make 1 + -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

An uneven job market and economic uncertainty are making buyers nervous about going through with a big purchase.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

But after making its only appearance in the European championship in 2000, when Ryerson was 2, the country’s soccer program hit hard times, going 18 years without playing in a major international competition.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

There were no recordings of the mammal for two years, making it a good location for the voles to thrive.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The library "remains true to its mission: to continue making heritage open to the public while constantly strengthening its protection", he told AFP.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Mr. Kan was making his way toward me now, full of cake and compliments.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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