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hacking

American  
[hak-ing] / ˈhæk ɪŋ /

noun

  1. replacement of a single course of stonework by two or more lower courses.


hacking British  
/ ˈhækɪŋ /

adjective

  1. (of a cough) harsh, dry, and spasmodic

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of hacking

1400–50; late Middle English, in literal sense. See hack 1, -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He told MarketWatch that cybersecurity stocks are especially benefiting from the war, given the increased threat of hacking from Iran-linked actors.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Brundage found himself immersed in the online culture of trash-talking, memes, boyish jokes and, ultimately, hacking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

"There is a unique kind of reward hacking that can go on when you have productivity at the scale that encourages even later hours," Wigler said.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

According to Stratton, Lam, posing as a Google representative, called the investor and convinced the man to give up his password and security codes to prevent what Lam described as a hacking attempt.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

We picked up stones and loose bricks and tried hacking at the ice, but it was almost super- naturally hard—even Bronwyn could dig no more than a few inches into it.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs