hiding

¹ American  

[hahy-ding] / ˈhaɪ dɪŋ /

noun

1. act of concealing; concealment.

   to remain in hiding.

2. a secret refuge or means of concealment.

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hiding ² American  

[hahy-ding] / ˈhaɪ dɪŋ /

noun

Informal.

1. a severe beating; flogging; thrashing.

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hiding ¹ British  

/ ˈhaɪdɪŋ /

noun

1. the state of concealment (esp in the phrase in hiding )

2. a place of concealment

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hiding ² British  

/ ˈhaɪdɪŋ /

noun

1. informal a flogging; beating

2. to be bound to fail; to face impossible odds

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Etymology

Origin of hiding¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; hide ¹ + -ing ¹

Origin of hiding²

First recorded in 1800–10; hide ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Hiding infirmities from the public is a recurring theme in American politics.

From Slate • Jul. 2, 2026

Hiding in plain sight that night, among the patrons scattered throughout the museum, was photographer and activist Nan Goldin, along with several members of her advocacy group, P.A.I.N.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Hiding under a desk would have been ineffective, but it broke up the school routine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

"Hiding it... is censorship and manipulation, and that's not good at all," added Courtois.

From Barron's • Oct. 21, 2025

Hiding behind bushes he watched Fred climb up to the Castiglione’s tree house with the painting.

From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett