hiding

¹ American  

[hahy-ding] / ˈhaɪ dɪŋ /

noun

1. act of concealing; concealment.

   to remain in hiding.

2. a secret refuge or means of concealment.

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hiding ² American  

[hahy-ding] / ˈhaɪ dɪŋ /

noun

Informal.

1. a severe beating; flogging; thrashing.

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hiding ¹ British  

/ ˈhaɪdɪŋ /

noun

1. the state of concealment (esp in the phrase in hiding )

2. a place of concealment

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hiding ² British  

/ ˈhaɪdɪŋ /

noun

1. informal a flogging; beating

2. to be bound to fail; to face impossible odds

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Etymology

Origin of hiding¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; hide ¹ + -ing ¹

Origin of hiding²

First recorded in 1800–10; hide ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

These dark, active regions can distort observations by brightening certain wavelengths and hiding parts of the atmospheric signal.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

The first pilot was found Friday, but it took more than 36 hours to locate the second aviator who was hiding in a mountain crevice.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Officials told the BBC's US partner CBS News that the crew member spent more than 24 hours on his own, hiding in the mountains with a handgun.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Intuitiveness is often achieved by hiding complexity, and hiding complexity means that users never have to encounter, or question, what’s happening behind the scenes.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

I always knew about this hiding place under a floorboard in the front room.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler