blacking

[ blak-ing ]

noun

1. any preparation for producing a black coating or finish, as on shoes or stoves.

blacking

/ ˈblækɪŋ /

noun

1. any preparation, esp one containing lampblack, for giving a black finish to shoes, metals, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of blacking¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; black + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

He eventually found that blacking out the words with permanent marker proved more effective—but you can imagine how that looked.

From The Daily Beast

Unless I do better I'll have to try selling papers or blacking boots.

From Project Gutenberg

Very likely you laugh at the fancy of shoe-blacking having anything to do with the farm labourer and agriculture.

From Project Gutenberg

The Bishop learned to glory in his blacking far more than he had ever done in the original mahogany.

From Project Gutenberg

Then Judy dotted the cotton with shoe blacking and it became a realistic imitation of royal ermine.

From Project Gutenberg

A tap at his door a little later, and young Ried appeared, shoe-brush and blacking-box in hand.

From Project Gutenberg