taking

American  

[tey-king] / ˈteɪ kɪŋ /

noun

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

2. the state of being taken. taken.

3. something that is taken. taken.

4. an action by the federal government, as a regulatory ruling, that imposes a restriction on the use of private property for which the owner must be compensated.

5. takings, receipts, especially of money earned or gained.

6. Archaic. a state of agitation or distress.

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adjective

1. captivating, winning, or pleasing.

2. Archaic. infectious or contagious.

taking British  

/ ˈteɪkɪŋ /

adjective

1. charming, fascinating, or intriguing

2. informal infectious; catching

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noun

1. something taken

2. (plural) receipts; earnings

Other Word Forms

• takingly adverb
• takingness noun
• untaking adjective

Etymology

Origin of taking

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English takyng (gerund); take, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

OpenAI product and business chief Fidji Simo is taking medical leave for several weeks due to a worsening neuroimmune condition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Four independent stores are currently taking part, with a further 11 expected to join in the coming weeks.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

In addition, three tankers -- including one co-owned by a Japanese company -- crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday by taking an alternative, southern route.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

And it’s taking many people a long time — almost three months — to find a new job after they lose one.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

If he put his weight on one, it might give way, taking him with it.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver