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

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

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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

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

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

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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