willing

play

adjective will·ing \ˈwi-liŋ\

Definition of willing

1 : inclined or favorably disposed in mind : ready willing and eager to help
2 : prompt to act or respond lending a willing hand
3 : done, borne, or accepted by choice or without reluctance a willing sacrifice
4 : of or relating to the will or power of choosing : volitional

willingly

play \ˈwi-liŋ-lē\ adverb

willingness

noun

See willing defined for English-language learners

See willing defined for kids

Examples of willing in a Sentence

He was a willing participant in the crime.
She's lending a willing hand.

Recent Examples of willing from the Web

Some people were willing to take other animals as trade for theirs, in the spirit of swapping.

— john carlisle, Detroit Free Press, "Quirky U.P. animal swap keeps rural traditions alive", 1 July 2017
Many GrabBike drivers originally worked as Xe Om, but not all are willing to sign up.

— tran van minh, The Seattle Times, "Ride-hailing services transform Vietnam’s transport culture", 28 June 2017
But that’s enough for Ciu Hu, who wants the secret and is willing to do anything to get it.

— cary darling, star-telegram.com, "Action-adventure film ‘Reset’ saved by its own switch", 28 June 2017
Is Charlotte City Council willing to give soccer a second chance?

— steve harrison and katherine peralta kperalta@charlotteobserver.com sharrison@charlotteobserver.com, charlotteobserver, "Is city of Charlotte now willing to fund new soccer stadium?", 27 June 2017
Which brings us back to the uncertain fate of France’s second most popular cheese: Fewer and fewer farmers who are willing to endure the complicated process (or know how to do it) exist.

— lale arikoglu, CNT, "France Is Running Out of Camembert Cheese", 26 June 2017
Right now, there are tons of companies looking for experienced health care providers that are willing to work from home to review medical records, provide patient services and education services, consult for companies, and more.

— jessica mattern, Woman's Day, "8 of the Best Work-From-Home Jobs Nursing Jobs", 26 June 2017
Key Democrats were stunned by the GOP response and exasperated that the White House seemed willing to let Republican opposition block any pre-election move.

— ted sickinger, OregonLive.com, "Consultant arraigned in Oregon Energy Department kickback scandal", 23 June 2017
And for the food traveler willing to go the extra 265 miles, London might soon become the footnote to eating vacations.

— christine muhlke, Bon Appetit, "This Seaside Town in England Is a Food Traveler's Dream", 22 June 2017

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

First Known Use of willing

14th century

Synonym Discussion of willing

voluntary, intentional, deliberate, willing mean done or brought about of one's own will. voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion. a voluntary confession intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved. the intentional concealment of vital information deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences. deliberate acts of sabotage willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another. willing obedience

WILLING Defined for English Language Learners

willing

play

adjective

Definition of willing for English Language Learners

: not refusing to do something
: quick to act or respond : doing something or ready to do something without being persuaded
: done, made, or given by choice