makings
Britishplural noun
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potentials, qualities, or materials
he had the makings of a leader
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Also called: rollings. slang the tobacco and cigarette paper used for rolling a cigarette
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profits; earnings
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.
“This is all the makings of the most hated V-shaped rally again,” he said.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026
Based on Donald E. Westlake’s novel “The Hunter,” “Point Blank” has all the makings of a highly involving thriller, but Mr. Boorman consistently frustrates these expectations with more artistic aims.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
We don’t see the makings of a lasting rally, but with sentiment and positioning this one-sided, the setup for a sharp countertrend bounce is hard to ignore.
From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025
He may lack the plumber's balletic moveset, but with some of Nintendo's most imaginative minds plotting his next adventure Donkey Kong's latest has the makings of a smash hit.
From BBC • Jul. 12, 2025
“Four or five have the makings of knights. Perhaps as many as a dozen.”
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
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.
