eke
verb (used with object)
to increase; enlarge; lengthen.
eking
-
present participleof eke.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
More than 200,000 are now believed to live there, most eking out basic livings from manual labour.
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026
He was ultimately the only plausible option for voters worried that Hong’s controversies risked blowing the general election and ended up eking it out by less than half a percentage point.
From Slate ● Aug. 12, 2026
Hoan worked from the same slab of concrete for a decade, eking out a modest living hawking colourful bouquets.
From Barron's ● Jun. 2, 2026
Stocks were eking out small gains as enthusiasm around the AI trade continued.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 11, 2026
He worked on other men’s boats as strenuously as his slowly healing body would let him, eking out a meager living for himself and his widowed mother.
From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson
