making

1 of 2

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 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

making

2 of 2

present participle of make entry 1

Synonyms of making

Noun

• potential
• material
• potentiality

Examples of making in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

All of that said, the Shedd was trying to save whales in a real-world crisis not of its own making. — Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026

Mostly, however, the two creative partners — both of whom worked at indie production and sales company Good Machine early on in their respective careers — focused on the making and success of Conclave. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026

Also Saturday are three three arts workshops focusing on music, candle making and body movement, respectively. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Andai said Winters plays an important role in supporting students and orchestral music-making at a time when classical music is at risk of being marginalized in Miami. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

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

Rhymes for making

• aching
• baking
• braking
• breaking
• caking
• faking
• flaking
• quaking
• raking
• shaking
• slaking
• snaking

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