pressing
Americanadjective
noun
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any phonograph record produced in a record-molding press from a master or a stamper.
-
a number of such records produced at one time.
The fifth pressing of his hit song has sold out.
adjective
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demanding immediate attention
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persistent or importunate
noun
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a large specified number of gramophone records produced at one time from a master record
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a component formed in a press
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football the tactic of trying to stay very close to the opposition when they are in possession of the ball
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pressing
1300–50; Middle English presing (gerund); see press 1, -ing 2, -ing 1
Explanation
If something's pressing, it's very important and should be taken care of right away. Your French club's most pressing issue might be raising money for the big trip to Montreal. Pressing business needs urgent attention, and pressing problems will turn into disasters if you don't figure out a quick way to solve them. Another meaning of pressing is "the act of exerting a strong pressure," like the pressing of apples into delicious cider. Pressing comes from the verb press, "to push against" or "to squeeze out," and later also "to urge or argue for."
Vocabulary lists containing pressing
Trash
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Lesson 11
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Important
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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.
A suddenly pressing question is whether Warsh would have political cover to do the opposite and raise them.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
The reasons many countries are pushing toward nuclear power — energy independence, climate goals, AI-driven electricity demand — are real and pressing.
From Salon • May 21, 2026
Bicester and Woodstock MP Calum Miller, said he would be "pressing" national and local agencies to "take their responsibilities seriously to protect the health of people living in this area."
From BBC • May 20, 2026
They have also given voice to a groundswell of frustration with L.A.’s Democratic establishment and created space for more pressing debate on the future direction of the city.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
Mari was mixing something in a bowl, and Hannah was pressing, with all her seven-year-old might, on an orange in a manual juicer.
From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste
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.
