passing

noun

pass·ing | \ ˈpa-siŋ

Definition of passing

(Entry 1 of 3)

: the act of one that passes or causes to pass especially : death sense 1a

in passing

: by the way : incidentally

passing

adjective

Definition of passing (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : going by or past a passing pedestrian

2 : having a brief duration a passing whim

3 obsolete : surpassing

4 : superficial a passing acquaintance a passing resemblance

5a : of, relating to, or used in or for the act or process of passing passing lanes

b : given on satisfactory completion of an examination or course of study a passing grade

passing

adverb

Definition of passing (Entry 3 of 3)

: to a surpassing degree : exceedingly passing strange

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about passing

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Examples of passing in a Sentence

Noun

After her husband's passing, she moved to a smaller house. We all mourned his passing.

Adjective

Someone called out from a passing car. She sells flowers to passing motorists. Let's hope that these shoes are just a passing fad. a passing phase in childhood

Adverb

a passing strange turn of events

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Since his passing, cast and crew from the series hinted at possible ways the show might address the loss of his character, and Wednesday's night episode provided an answer. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "The Newest Episode of “Riverdale” Addressed Fred Andrews’s Future," 2 May 2019 This year, the Venice Biennale exhibition is back, and this year marks the 500th anniversary of the passing of Leonardo di Vinci—making 2019 prime time for art lovers to visit. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "The 19 Best Places to Travel in 2019," 10 Jan. 2019 We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "Hollywood Mourns the Death of 90210 and Riverdale Star Luke Perry," 5 Mar. 2019 Deeply saddened by the passing of Walter Jones—a beloved colleague and friend who had a profound impact on all through his graciousness, character, and committed Christian faith. — Natalie Andrews, WSJ, "GOP Congressman Who Changed Mind to Oppose Iraq War Dies at 76," 10 Feb. 2019 Definitive proof, not that it was really needed, of a passing of the baton in American — and world — ski racing. — Steve Douglas, The Seattle Times, "Shiffrin wins super-G, Vonn crashes at worlds," 5 Feb. 2019 In the wake of his passing, those involved with Riverdale have been sharing social media tributes to their costar. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Cole Sprouse Was Supported by Lili Reinhart and the "Riverdale" Cast at the "Five Feet Apart" Premiere," 8 Mar. 2019 The passing game produced more points than at any point in NFL history, and there was one team at the forefront. — Andrew Beaton, WSJ, "The Kansas City Chiefs Are Football’s Golden State Warriors," 18 Jan. 2019 Shops closed their doors and theatrical performances cancelled in honor of the royal's death; Christmas, just over a week after Albert's passing, was a somber affair throughout the kingdom that year. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "How Did Queen Victoria's Husband Prince Albert Die?," 4 Mar. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Last year the Buccaneers defense gave up the most total yards, the most passing yards and the third-most rushing touchdowns of anyone in the NFL. — Jonathan Jones, SI.com, "NFC South Offseason Report Cards: Bucs, Saints Boost Defense; Falcons Brace for Negotiations with Julio Jones," 26 June 2018 The Commodores ranked fourth in the league with 243.6 passing yards per game, their highest since the Jay Cutler era in 2005. — Laken Litman, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Analyzing Notre Dame football's 2018 schedule, from least to most dangerous games," 21 June 2018 While there was plenty of blame to go around on Miami's defense last year, Alonso had a couple of high-profile breakdowns that contributed to the Dolphins allowing the second-most passing yards to tight ends, behind only Oakland. — Adam H. Beasley, miamiherald, "A Miami Dolphins coach gives an unvarnished assessment of Kiko Alonso's 2017 season," 30 May 2018 In 2016, Bryan Colangelo’s first draft produced the 6-foot-10 Simmons, whose passing skills are pure magic. — Harvey Araton, New York Times, "Lose Now, Win Later? In Sixers, Knicks Have a Role Model," 14 Mar. 2018 That means Louisville's big guys have to use their passing skills and quick decision-making to quickly move the ball out of a double team and find a cutter or open shooter. — Jeff Greer, The Courier-Journal, "3 things to watch Wednesday as Louisville basketball takes on No. 2 Virginia," 30 Jan. 2018 Monahan tied it at 2 with a power-play goal with 1:18 left in the second, finishing a pretty passing sequence. — Jay Cohen, The Seattle Times, "Gaudreau scores twice as Flames beat Blackhawks 4-3," 7 Jan. 2019 Rob Likens was elevated to offensive coordinator after spending last season as the team’s passing coordinator, so his familiarity with Wilkins should make the transition to a new style of play a lot smoother. — Matt Murschel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Arizona State counts on Herm Edwards to lead revival, is No. 79 in 2018 preseason college football rankings," 9 June 2018 Michigan currently has passing game coordinator Pep Hamilton, offensive line coach Ed Warinner and wide receivers coach Jim McElwain on staff. — Nick Baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan's Jim Harbaugh unsure if he'll name an OC this year," 3 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'passing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.