making

American  

[mey-king] / ˈmeɪ kɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that makes.

   The making of a violin requires great skill.

2. structure; constitution; makeup.

3. the means or cause of success or advancement.

   to be the making of someone.

4. Usually makings. capacity or potential.

   He has the makings of a first-rate officer.

5. makings,

   1. material of which something may be made: make.

      the makings for a tossed salad.

   2. Older Slang. paper and tobacco with which to make a hand-rolled cigarette.

6. something made.

7. the quantity made.

   a making of butter.

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idioms

1. in the making, in the process of being made; developing or evolving; growing.

   Our space scientists see history in the making.

making British  

/ ˈmeɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. the act of a person or thing that makes or the process of being made

   2. ( in combination )

      watchmaking

2. to cause the success of

3. in the process of becoming or being made

   a politician in the making

4. something made or the quantity of something made at one time

5. make-up; composition

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Other Word Forms

• self-making adjective

Etymology

Origin of making

First recorded before 1150; Middle English; Old English macung; make ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Hill, who plays like he should be a tight end for an NFL team, bulled his way around for 18 points, making nine of 13 shots.

From Los Angeles Times

But whether the last three years have significiant implications for the longer term "is not yet clear", he added, with more data needed before making firm conclusions.

From BBC

Iran’s economic collapse was years in the making but unfolded rapidly in recent months.

From The Wall Street Journal

Recent studies into fire mechanics have generally found that the intense heat from wildfire can quickly dry out these plants, making them susceptible to ignition from embers, flames and radiant heat.

From Los Angeles Times

"They didn't become successful overnight, this is 40 years in the making process," Martina says.

From BBC

Related Words

• formulation