making

American  

[mey-king] / ˈmeɪ kɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that makes.

   The making of a violin requires great skill.

2. structure; constitution; makeup.

3. the means or cause of success or advancement.

   to be the making of someone.

4. Usually makings. capacity or potential.

   He has the makings of a first-rate officer.

5. makings,

   1. material of which something may be made.

      the makings for a tossed salad.

   2. Older Slang. paper and tobacco with which to make a hand-rolled cigarette.

6. something made.

7. the quantity made.

   a making of butter.

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idioms

1. in the making, in the process of being made; developing or evolving; growing.

   Our space scientists see history in the making.

making British  

/ ˈmeɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. the act of a person or thing that makes or the process of being made

   2. ( in combination )

      watchmaking

2. to cause the success of

3. in the process of becoming or being made

   a politician in the making

4. something made or the quantity of something made at one time

5. make-up; composition

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Other Word Forms

• self-making
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of making

First recorded before 1150; Middle English; Old English macung; make ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

You'd be forgiven for thinking they're actually related - they look very similar and, just like real-life brothers, they're making fun of each other and finishing each others' sentences.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

But he warns that even using the 4% rule, persistently high inflation would imperil portfolios by making retirees withdraw more and more money each year.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

They recommend making a simple chicken salad, which can be enjoyed on its own or in a sandwich, along with fajitas, pot pie, buffalo chicken dip, empanadas and chicken noodle soup.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

Although they are cheaper than missiles, U.S. defense manufacturers still face the challenge of making sufficient quantities of the rounds, given that hundreds of thousands more will be required.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

She shifts in her chair, making the tassels on her beaded tan suede moccasins bounce.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• formulation