making

noun

mak·​ing ˈmā-kiŋ 

1

: the act or process of forming, causing, doing, or coming into being

spots problems in the making

2

: a process or means of advancement or success

3

: something made

especially : a quantity produced at one time : batch

4

a

: potentiality

—often used in plural

had the makings of a great artist

b

makings ˈmā-kənz 

ˈmā-kiŋz

plural : the material from which something is to be made

especially \ usually  ˈmā-​kənz \ : paper and tobacco for rolling cigarettes by hand

Synonyms

• material
• raw material
• stuff
• substance
• timber

Examples of making in a Sentence

methods used in the making of wine

she has all the makings of an excellent leader, but she needs some experience first

Recent Examples on the Web

Because this is the kind of information that can help direct some of our policy making for broadband access or for universally available devices so people can actually take advantage of telemedicine. —Maria Curi, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024

Cotton grew well in Arkansas, the European market was easily accessible and money was there for the making. —Curtis Varnell The Timepiece, arkansasonline.com, 13 Oct. 2024

His easy, can-do manner, dry wit and fearless pursuit of opportunity, drove his remarkable career which spanned nearly seven decades of broadcasting innovations, adroit deal making and education. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2024

The bottom line: Market making is a legitimate business. —Brady Dale, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English macung, from macian to make

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing making

• decision-making
• epoch-making
• history in the making
• hit-making
• in the making
• making a comeback
• making all the right noises
• making (a lot of) noise
• making noise
• making noises
• making soothing/reassuring noises
• non-profit-making
• not making much sense
• of one's own making
• policy-making
• slave-making ant
• the making of

Kids Definition

making

noun

mak·​ing

ˈmā-kiŋ

1

: the act of forming, causing, doing, or coming into being

spots problems in the making

2

: a process or means of advancement or success

3

: material from which something can be developed : potentiality

there is the making of a racehorse in this colt

—often used in plural

has the makings of a great quarterback

4

plural : the materials from which something can be made