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.
Outside of trucking, construction and other safety-sensitive industries, more employers say they have come to view marijuana as akin to alcohol: not a red flag, as long as workers aren’t indulging on the clock.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
A lot of athletes dream of rolling back the years but discover the reality of proving they can still compete - and not simply indulging in a nostalgia trip - is a different matter.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 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
Now they were off fishing, playing ball, indulging in all the usual summer pastimes during this brief holiday from school.
From "Son" by Lois Lowry
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.
