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

That’s why Einstein is so—his theory is just so remarkable, and his imagination is just all-making. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026

Certain people with money have a hard time with imagination and this idea of art-making for the sake of it. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

In private, the president has been hearing blunt news from advisers about the GOP’s poor chances in the midterms and has accepted that some of the problem is of his making. — Natalie Allison, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2026

Khoory said Aldar encouraged brands to connect with local architects to work on facades to communicate the emphasis on art and place-making. — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 18 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