- present participle of court.
courting
Americannoun
-
the act or process of trying to win the favor or attention of a person or group.
He seems to understand the importance of social issues for youth, judging by his recent courting of young people to bring them into Russian politics.
-
the act of seeking or cultivating someone’s love or affection; wooing.
Soon after landing the job, he stepped up his courting of the beautiful Dorothy, who was also being pursued by someone else.
-
(of animals) the act or process of attempting to attract a mate by engaging in certain species-specific behaviors.
The chilly air blowing through the cracks in the wall, and the audible courting of peeper frogs, made it hard to doze off.
-
the act of behaving in such a manner as to cause or lead to a specified result.
In a particularly nerve-wracking courting of disaster, he climbed the mountain alone in winter using a completely untried route.
adjective
-
seeking or cultivating the love or affection of another person or of each other.
Covered bridges were known as "kissing bridges," as courting couples were prone to stop and steal a kiss while hidden from view inside.
-
(of animals) attempting to attract a mate.
Courting petrels make a henlike clucking and thrust their heads back as far as they can.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of courting
First recorded in 1575–85; court ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun senses; court ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective senses
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 undeterred Hilton doubled down on courting Latinos after that faux pas, visiting East L.A. multiple times and even serving tacos after a lowrider cruise.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026
That’s also her message for how the party could improve its chances of courting her generation: “I wish they would just ask.”
From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026
The fashion house is working to close the gap with rivals in courting top spenders as it navigates a difficult climate for luxury retail.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
Appreciate a music legend’s legacy: Dolly Parton got her start in Nashville as a country star, but she cemented her status as a global icon by courting pop fans.
From Slate ● Sep. 24, 2026
“If you will come courting such a headstrong, brazen girl,” he said indulgently, “then I can only give you both my blessing. Perhaps you can teach her some meekness.”
From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
