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

Hoover has had a strong spring camp and has shown strides with his decision making and willingness to scramble outside of the pocket. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025

Getting there required a herculean effort, the Dodgers digging out of a big early hole that had been entirely of their own making. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025

My assumption is that stories of travelers being detained or refused entry on arrival are on the rise as part of an increase in checks and/or stricter decision making at the U.S. border – no doubt in keeping with the new Trump regime's desire to appear strict on border control. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

The purpose of these 5 core values is to guide my decision making. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

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

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