indulging
Americanadjective
-
yielding to an inclination or desire, as by eating or drinking, engaging in a pleasurable activity, etc..
The chocolaty sweetness in this zucchini loaf makes it perfect for the indulging dieter and fussy eater alike.
-
yielding to someone’s wishes or whims in a lenient or permissive way; indulgent.
The menu was quite extensive, and the indulging father let his children order whatever they wanted.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of indulging
First recorded in 1660–70; indulge ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective senses; indulge ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun sense
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.
As of 2020, 181 million Americans consumed pretzels, with the average person indulging in an estimated two pounds per year, according to data from the US Statista Research Department.
From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026
Meanwhile, the vistas of Tau Ceti outside the window are intimidating and gorgeous, with cinematographer Greig Fraser indulging in showers of purple glitter.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026
“You might also want to consider indulging in activities that boost dopamine,” suggests Alexander.
From Slate • Mar. 15, 2026
Cheerful illustrations accompanied by rhyming text enumerate little acts of love over the course of a day, from early-morning wake-ups to indulging requests for one more bedtime lullaby.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026
Ever since he’d stopped to pick her up in the snowstorm he’d been indulging himself foolishly.
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
