mess
noun
a dirty, untidy, or disordered condition.
messing
-
present participleof mess.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Flavio issued fierce denials as Lula took to the campaign trail clutching a statue of the saint, declaring that "messing" with her was "unacceptable."
From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026
Still, AI is messing with some of the metrics that traditionally factor into compensation decisions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
“I definitely wouldn’t recommend messing with one if you don’t know what you’re messing with,” Crowell said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026
His folk-singer brother first awakened his interest in politics while being "asked to leave" grammar school for "messing about" deepened his dislike of authority.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
I pull the blanket down, messing up our hair, and Max is on duty at the window, the chair leaning back on two legs.
From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
