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

• potential
• material
• potentiality

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

Twelve years later, Schumer and Democrats, now in the minority, are staring down another government shutdown -- but one that might be of their own making. —Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025

The shutdown could also delay the release of key economic data, further complicating policymakers’ decision making. —semafor.com, 30 Sep. 2025

Acclaimed Spanish auteur Carla Simón’s return to the fervent ground of her childhood is a deeply personal meditation on memory, identity and familial myth making. —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025

That could have massive ripple effects across corporate policies and the perspectives included in C-suite decision making. —Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 30 Sep. 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