thinking

American  

[thing-king] / ˈθɪŋ kɪŋ /

adjective

1. rational; reasoning.

   People are thinking animals.

2. thoughtful; reflective.

   Any thinking person would reject that plan.

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noun

1. thought; think; thought; judgment, reflection.

   clear thinking.

thinking British  

/ ˈθɪŋkɪŋ /

noun

1. opinion or judgment

2. the process of thought

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adjective

1. (prenominal) using or capable of using intelligent thought

   thinking people

2. to ponder a matter or problem

Other Word Forms

• nonthinking adjective
• thinkingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of thinking

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English thenking (noun); think ¹, -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The authors emphasize the need to move away from "reductionist" thinking and toward "integrated strategies."

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Artemis II pilot and SoCal native Victor Glover has been thinking about reentry since he was assigned the mission in 2023.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Coarse language obviously implies coarse thinking, and no one wants that in a leader entrusted to bring peace and prosperity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

"In the back of his mind he is thinking of the World Cup, definitely. When he is with England he has to score, he has to perform and tonight is a good start."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

I thought of it even when I told myself I wasn’t thinking about it.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• idea
• judgment
• logic
• opinion
• reasoning
• understanding