bidding

[ bid-ing ]

noun

1. command; summons; invitation:

   I went there at his bidding.

2. bids bid collectively, or a period during which bids bid are made or received:

   The bidding began furiously.

3. a bid. bide.

bidding

/ ˈbɪdɪŋ /

noun

1. an order; command (often in the phrases do or follow the bidding of , at someone's bidding )
2. an invitation; summons
3. the act of making bids, as at an auction or in bridge
4. bridge a group of bids considered collectively, esp those made on a particular deal

Word History and Origins

Origin of bidding¹

Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; bid ¹, -ing ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. do someone's bidding, to submit to someone's orders; perform services for someone:

   After he was promoted to vice president at the bank, he expected everyone around him to do his bidding.

Example Sentences

So, whose bidding do we think these candidates are going to do?

From The Daily Beast

In a neat line, his agent, beginning a bidding war, promised: “Michiko Kakutani will flip for this.”

From The Daily Beast

McDonnell was poised to be the beneficiary of a bidding war among the biggest law firms.

From The Daily Beast

He was bidding a final farewell to the 9/11 nightmare and the odyssey to kill Osama bin Laden.

From The Daily Beast

Unfortunately for the wannabe-thugs at 1325 G St., the friendly officers of the DCPD were not about to do their bidding.

From The Daily Beast

Bidding a young bank manager take charge of the detachment, Frank led the newcomer rapidly to headquarters.

From Project Gutenberg

Gordon Wright stood there, looking at him—with a gaze which Bernard returned for a moment before bidding him to come in.

From Project Gutenberg

Before bidding the men go that way, he had satisfied himself that there was a key on the outside of the door.

From Project Gutenberg

In the street the men of his escort sat their horses, having mounted at his bidding in readiness for the journey.

From Project Gutenberg

But this small fear was immediately dissipated when she ran in after bidding Amy good-night.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• auction
• tender