wrecking

American

[rek-ing] / ˈrɛk ɪŋ /

noun

the act, work, or business of a wrecker.

adjective

employed or for use in wrecking.

a wrecking crew.

Etymology

Origin of wrecking

First recorded in 1795–1805; wreck + -ing ¹

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.

The contenders were a departure from the usual lineup at the event, known for wheeled machines equipped with wrecking tools.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

In doing so, these parents removed the flashing connectivity that was wrecking sleep schedules, domestic harmony and peace of mind everywhere else.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

In “Los Angeles Plays Itself,” his 2003 documentary chronicling the portrayal of the city through cinema history, Andersen aims his own wrecking ball.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

One of the prosecutors, Joel Smith KC, described it as a "deliberate attempt to take a wrecking ball" to the the trial.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

These days the Sistermen left open piracy to Salladhor Saan and his ilk and confined themselves to wrecking.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023