courting

[kawr-ting]

noun

1. the act or process of trying to win the favor or attention of a person or group.

   He seems to understand the importance of social issues for youth, judging by his recent courting of young people to bring them into Russian politics.

2. the act of seeking or cultivating someone’s love or affection; wooing.

   Soon after landing the job, he stepped up his courting of the beautiful Dorothy, who was also being pursued by someone else.

3. (of animals) the act or process of attempting to attract a mate by engaging in certain species-specific behaviors.

   The chilly air blowing through the cracks in the wall, and the audible courting of peeper frogs, made it hard to doze off.

4. the act of behaving in such a manner as to cause or lead to a specified result.

   In a particularly nerve-wracking courting of disaster, he climbed the mountain alone in winter using a completely untried route.

adjective

1. seeking or cultivating the love or affection of another person or of each other.

   Covered bridges were known as "kissing bridges," as courting couples were prone to stop and steal a kiss while hidden from view inside.

2. (of animals) attempting to attract a mate.

   Courting petrels make a henlike clucking and thrust their heads back as far as they can.

Other Word Forms

• uncourting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of courting¹

First recorded in 1575–85; court ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses; court ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses

Example Sentences

I was expecting a long courting process when you’re trying to get Lady Gaga — like, writing letters.

From Los Angeles Times

The White House has also been actively courting several African nations, with Rwanda saying earlier this month it will take up to 250 migrants from the US.

From BBC

Several cities are courting MLB for a franchise, and the league is reported to be leaning toward Nashville and Salt Lake City as favorites.

From Los Angeles Times

During courting hearings in Northern Ireland, victims are not routinely given the chance to speak about how a crime has affected them.

From BBC

But warring sides in many regions are now courting him, wielding their mineral wealth and investment potential as a bargaining chip.

From BBC

Related Words

• allure 
• appeal 
• attractiveness 
• interest