taking

American  

[tey-king] / ˈteɪ kɪŋ /

noun

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

2. the state of being taken. taken.

3. something that is taken. 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); take, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

But she said there was an issue with the length of time it was taking deliveries in larger vehicles to reach her restaurant, as they are still being diverted.

From BBC

When plankton die, they sink to the ocean floor, taking the carbon they captured with them.

From Science Daily

This season's World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races taking place before the finals at Kvitfjell in Norway on 21 March 2026.

From BBC

But so far US companies are taking the opposite track.

From Barron's

He has expanded his influence in recent months, taking over units that develop artificial intelligence and integrate software into GM vehicles.

From The Wall Street Journal