antiquing

American  

[an-tee-king] / ænˈti kɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of shopping for or collecting antiques.

   This weekend’s antiquing yielded a farmhouse dining table perfect for the community center.

2. the use of painting and distressing techniques to give furniture, home decor, etc., the appearance and aesthetic of a much older object.

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Etymology

Origin of antiquing

First recorded in 1720–30 antiquing for def. 1, 1780–90 antiquing for def. 2; antique ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Two years later, their love of thrifting, antiquing, bargaining and restoring has turned their Westwood rental into a showcase of “secondhand treasures,” says Van Hulsen, 28, who works as a commercial contract specialist.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

Two lamps weren’t just two lamps, but the best outing she spent antiquing with my grandmother before she passed away from Alzheimer’s disease.

From Slate • Aug. 5, 2024

A one-of-a-kind pillow on the bed was crafted from an antique tapestry discovered during an antiquing adventures.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

“My houses have always been my creative, shopping and antiquing outlets — they just combine everything I like to do,” she explains.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2021

She went antiquing and hung an old washboard on the wall.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides