making
Americannoun
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the act of a person or thing that makes.
The making of a violin requires great skill.
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structure; constitution; makeup.
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the means or cause of success or advancement.
to be the making of someone.
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Usually makings. capacity or potential.
He has the makings of a first-rate officer.
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makings,
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something made.
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the quantity made.
a making of butter.
idioms
noun
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the act of a person or thing that makes or the process of being made
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( in combination )
watchmaking
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to cause the success of
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in the process of becoming or being made
a politician in the making
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something made or the quantity of something made at one time
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make-up; composition
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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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.