making

noun

mak·​ing ˈmā-kiŋ How to pronounce making (audio)
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 How to pronounce making (audio)
ˈmā-kiŋz
plural : the material from which something is to be made
especially \ usually  ˈmā-​kənz \ : paper and tobacco for rolling cigarettes by hand

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 Meanwhile, on this continent, Native Americans cherished their elders as sources of wisdom and decision making. Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2023 Mazama starting quarterback junior Tyson Van Gastel — who Lease lauded as the best veer quarterback he’s had — explained it as a triple option set, predicated on quick decision making. Aaron Heisen, oregonlive, 7 Sep. 2023 Some of the ideas for extras so far are: friendship bracelet making, selfie stations and photo ops, hat giveaways and a best outfit contest, according to the post. Rae Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 5 Sep. 2023 The makings for the next big crazy movie double feature were there. Lillian Rizzo, NBC News, 31 Aug. 2023 Our mission is to be essential to the lives of Southern Californians by publishing information that solves problems, answers questions and helps with decision making. Emma Fox, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2023 That the Spanish soccer federation is bumbling along in the midst of this controversy entirely of its own making should be no surprise to those who have been watching the federation ignore the concerns of its top players for nearly a year now. Christine Brennan, USA TODAY, 21 Aug. 2023 Around early June, orchestras and opera companies close out their seasons, and music making begins to take on new, liberated forms. James Estrin Joshua Barone, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2023 Temperatures are cooler making for many very beautiful days on the river. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'making.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of making was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near making

Cite this Entry

“Making.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/making. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on making

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