winning

American  

[win-ing] / ˈwɪn ɪŋ /

noun

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

   Antonyms:

   losing

2. Usually winnings something that is won, especially money.

3. Mining.

   1. any opening by which coal is being or has been extracted.

   2. a bed of coal ready for mining.

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adjective

1. that wins; successful or victorious, as in a contest.

   the winning team.

   Antonyms:

   losing

2. charming; engaging; pleasing.

   a winning child; a winning smile.

   Synonyms:

   winsome, attractive

   Antonyms:

   repulsive

winning British  

/ ˈwɪnɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of a person, character, etc) charming, engaging, or attractive

   winning ways

   a winning smile

2. gaining victory

   the winning stroke

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noun

1. 1. a shaft or seam of coal

   2. the extraction of coal or ore from the ground

2. (plural) money, prizes, or valuables won, esp in gambling

Other Word Forms

• winningness
  noun
• unwinning
  adjective
• winningly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of winning

1250–1300; Middle English (noun); see win ¹, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Esme Coulter, 17, who came joint third playing poohsticks with the Queen after winning a poetry competition, said: "It's been amazing, definitely not something I ever would have expected from winning a poetry competition."

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026

The U.S. made history last week by winning a knockout-round game for the first time in decades, not by advancing to the round of 16 for the first time in decades.

From Slate • Jul. 7, 2026

They hope that by winning startups as customers early in the life of new companies, their tools will become integral to the venture’s growth over time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026

Brown, Oldman and Wyle were nominated last year, with Wyle winning.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2026

Right now my team is winning five to three.

From "Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun" by Hena Khan

Related Words

• leading
• successful
• victorious