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 Words From

• un·court·ing 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

In emergency applications, the court often does not explain its reasoning, nor does it provide a breakdown of the vote.

From Washington Post

Winston believes he’ll be able to handle to any situation thrown at him on the court.

From Washington Post

This week, attorneys for The Post wrote to the court, protesting the decision to permit the case to move forward confidentially.

From 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.

From Washington Post

They will experiment with lineups, and Brooks wants to give him opportunities on court when warranted.

From Washington Post

After rumored courting by both ABC and NBC, Pippa Middleton is reportedly inking a deal to become a Today correspondent.

From The Daily Beast

In 1907, Picasso was courting his first great love, Fernande Olivier.

From The Daily Beast

But she longed for home and another New York agency was courting her.

From The Daily Beast

The question is, with regards to the demographic that he was courting, is he right?

From The Daily Beast

And since local producers have been busy enough growing their own markets, courting Westerners hasn't been a priority.

From The Daily Beast

It came, therefore, to the Consul's ears that Jacob Worse was courting, and it both displeased and made him anxious.

From Project Gutenberg

As a preliminary to his courting trip, Bill took a drink from a bottle that he kept handy in his corner.

From Project Gutenberg

Coronado, although he had spent great part of his life in courting women, was a bachelor.

From Project Gutenberg

The more he suspected that Coronado was courting Clara, the more resolutely and grimly he said to himself, "Stand back!"

From Project Gutenberg

There have been seasons when the uncertainty shrouding the abyss beyond alone prevented my courting its embrace.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• allure
• appeal
• attractiveness
• interest