taking

American  

[tey-king] / ˈteɪ kɪŋ /

noun

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

2. the state of being taken.

3. something that is taken.

4. an action by the federal government, as a regulatory ruling, that imposes a restriction on the use of private property for which the owner must be compensated.

5. takings, receipts, especially of money earned or gained.

6. Archaic. a state of agitation or distress.

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adjective

1. captivating, winning, or pleasing.

2. Archaic. infectious or contagious.

taking British  

/ ˈteɪkɪŋ /

adjective

1. charming, fascinating, or intriguing

2. informal infectious; catching

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noun

1. something taken

2. (plural) receipts; earnings

Other Word Forms

• takingly
  adverb
• takingness
  noun
• untaking
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of taking

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English takyng (gerund); see take, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Chip and memory stocks weren’t the only sector taking off on Tuesday as space stocks soared.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

The orchestra is famed for taking startling chances on charismatic, emerging but inexperienced conductors of exceptional talent who reached greatness and became dazzling stars over long tenures.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Toone adds her dad was "the driving force" behind her football, taking her up and down the country for club matches and travelling abroad for England games.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

One key reason is that a wage-price stagflationary spiral is going to have a tough time taking hold as rising fears of AI disruption are making it harder to find a job.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

They pop up and disappear so fast, taking good aim is next to impossible.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam