thinking

American  

[thing-king] / ˈθɪŋ kɪŋ /

adjective

1. rational; reasoning.

   People are thinking animals.

2. thoughtful; reflective.

   Any thinking person would reject that plan.

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noun

1. thought; think; thought; judgment, reflection.

   clear thinking.

thinking British  

/ ˈθɪŋkɪŋ /

noun

1. opinion or judgment

2. the process of thought

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adjective

1. (prenominal) using or capable of using intelligent thought

   thinking people

2. to ponder a matter or problem

Other Word Forms

• nonthinking adjective
• thinkingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of thinking

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English thenking (noun); think ¹, -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Accounting firms are working to change how traditional auditing work is done, with the aim of taking away younger professionals’ rote work and allowing them more critical thinking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The authors emphasize the need to move away from "reductionist" thinking and toward "integrated strategies."

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Artemis II pilot and SoCal native Victor Glover has been thinking about reentry since he was assigned the mission in 2023.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

"I was thinking right then, she's going to be bored and lonely, there should be something on YouTube for Luna," says Carano, a pilot who now lives in Bologna, Italy.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

I feel like I’ve tricked him into thinking I’m someone I’m not, because this can’t be happening to me.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• idea
• judgment
• logic
• opinion
• reasoning
• understanding