planning

American  

[plan-ing] / ˈplæn ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of making a plan or plans.

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Etymology

Origin of planning

First recorded in 1740–50; plan + -ing ¹

Explanation

You can use the noun planning to talk about the process of making a plan. Your elaborate tree house project will require hours of planning before you hammer a single nail into a piece of wood. Planning is the act of getting ready for something to happen — you might find that the planning for the prom and the excitement it brings is as fun as the event itself. During planning for any event, you figure out what things you will need, how long it will take, and what you will do if anything goes wrong. For a cook, planning might include finding and measuring all ingredients, gathering the pots and pans they will need, even checking that the stove works!

Example Sentences

“It shines light on what advisory rights DAF donors actually have, and whether sponsors can revoke them,” says Richard Fox, a lawyer specializing in charitable planning.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

And that ambiguous statement raised alarms not just with workers but also with human rights groups such as Amnesty International, which issued a World Cup travel advisory for visitors planning on attending the tournament.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Only when providers start bearing the cost of poor scheduling and planning will these practices improve and responsible patients be treated with greater respect.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

Westminster City Council has told the BBC it did not grant permission, as it was not given advance warning that Banksy's team was planning this installation.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

“You forgot about planning your funeral,” Jonah said.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• plan