courting

[ kawr-ting ]

/ ˈkɔr tɪŋ /

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See synonyms for: courting / courtings on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

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.

(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.

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

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.

(of animals) attempting to attract a mate:Courting petrels make a henlike clucking and thrust their heads back as far as they can.

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Origin of courting

court + -ing¹ for the noun senses; court + -ing² for the adjective senses

OTHER WORDS FROM courting

un·court·ing, adjective

Words nearby courting

courtesy light, courtesy title, court hand, courthouse, courtier, courting, courting mirror, court-leet, courtly, courtly love, court-martial

How to use courting in a sentence

In emergency applications, the court often does not explain its reasoning, nor does it provide a breakdown of the vote.
Supreme Court continues capital punishment trend with Barrett on the bench|Robert Barnes|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
Winston believes he’ll be able to handle to any situation thrown at him on the court.
Wizards’ plan for John Wall involves fewer minutes, more run for Ish Smith, Cassius Winston|Ava Wallace|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
This week, attorneys for The Post wrote to the court, protesting the decision to permit the case to move forward confidentially.
Washington Football Team minority owners have a deal to sell, but Daniel Snyder is blocking it|Will Hobson, Mark Maske, Liz Clarke|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
Paul’s shooting ability should create more space for Booker to operate in the half-court, and Williams can stagger their minutes to ensure a quality lead playmaker will always be on the court.
NBA free agency tracker (plus trades): Warriors acquire Kelly Oubre; 76ers trade Al Horford to Thunder|Ben Golliver|November 20, 2020|Washington Post

They will experiment with lineups, and Brooks wants to give him opportunities on court when warranted.
How did Deni Avdija catch the eye of Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard? It started with his name.|Ava Wallace|November 19, 2020|Washington Post
After rumored courting by both ABC and NBC, Pippa Middleton is reportedly inking a deal to become a Today correspondent.
NBC’s Today Show ‘Hires’ Pippa Middleton|Lloyd Grove, Tom Sykes|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In 1907, Picasso was courting his first great love, Fernande Olivier.
Did Picasso Try to Steal the Mona Lisa?|Nick Mafi|October 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But she longed for home and another New York agency was courting her.
This Baby Can Work a Runway|Brandy Zadrozny|September 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The question is, with regards to the demographic that he was courting, is he right?
Racism or Exit Strategy for Atlanta Hawks Owner Bruce Levenson?|Robert Silverman|September 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And since local producers have been busy enough growing their own markets, courting Westerners hasn't been a priority.
The Most Powerful Liquor in the World|Kayleigh Kulp|August 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It came, therefore, to the Consul's ears that Jacob Worse was courting, and it both displeased and made him anxious.
Skipper Worse|Alexander Lange Kielland
As a preliminary to his courting trip, Bill took a drink from a bottle that he kept handy in his corner.
Mystery Ranch|Arthur Chapman
Coronado, although he had spent great part of his life in courting women, was a bachelor.
Overland|John William De Forest
The more he suspected that Coronado was courting Clara, the more resolutely and grimly he said to himself, "Stand back!"
Overland|John William De Forest
There have been seasons when the uncertainty shrouding the abyss beyond alone prevented my courting its embrace.
Alone|Marion Harland