planning

American  

[plan-ing] / ˈplæn ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of making a plan or plans.

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Etymology

Origin of planning

First recorded in 1740–50; plan + -ing ¹

Explanation

You can use the noun planning to talk about the process of making a plan. Your elaborate tree house project will require hours of planning before you hammer a single nail into a piece of wood. Planning is the act of getting ready for something to happen — you might find that the planning for the prom and the excitement it brings is as fun as the event itself. During planning for any event, you figure out what things you will need, how long it will take, and what you will do if anything goes wrong. For a cook, planning might include finding and measuring all ingredients, gathering the pots and pans they will need, even checking that the stove works!

Example Sentences

He sees it as a choice between planning for the future, or “do we want to drive them out because we want a one-time sugar high?”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

Councillor Carolyn Healy represents the Ironbridge Gorge ward on Telford and Wrekin Council and is the cabinet member for planning, neighbourhoods and sustainability.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Attorney General Todd Blanche was asked whether there was something like designated-survivor planning in effect for the dinner, he didn’t answer directly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

SpaceX is planning an IPO that could value the company at up to $2 trillion, with its registration statement expected public in late May.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

“Ratwin’s planning the route, Irian’s mending the boat.”

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Related Words

• plan