willing

adjective will·ing \ ˈwi-liŋ \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

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

The profitable company was willing to chase any story, especially those echoing the Copleys’ anti-Communist views.

— roger showley, sandiegouniontribune.com, ""A Faithful Mirror": The San Diego Union-Tribune's first 150 years," 15 Apr. 2018
Clinical psychologist Melinda Hammond was willing to make the drive from Joliet to participate in Saturday's march.

— linda girardi, Elgin Courier-News, "Marchers brave bad weather to rally for science in Geneva: 'Listen to scientists and be educated on the issues'," 14 Apr. 2018
And Saudi Arabia is willing to make amends with Israel to some extent, even offer their airspace.

— Fox News, "What does the US accomplish by striking Syria?," 13 Apr. 2018
People are willing to spend a lot of money on that.

— gerrick d. kennedy, latimes.com, "Experiential events, posh yurts and uber-VIP — will Coachella stand for anything more than its escapism this year?," 12 Apr. 2018
Coalition member Tracy Dodson, a senior vice president at Lincoln Harris, said earlier this year some large businesses would be willing to help.

— steve harrison, charlotteobserver, "Charlotte has decided how to spend $10 million in SouthPark. Here are the winners. | Charlotte Observer," 12 Apr. 2018
After limiting the focus of the first trial, Judge Steven O'Neill has been willing to let both sides push the retrial well beyond Constand's allegations.

— NBC News, "Bill Cosby's sex-assault retrial begins as first big court case of the #MeToo era," 9 Apr. 2018
After limiting the focus of the first trial, Judge Steven O'Neill has been willing to let both sides push the retrial well beyond Constand's allegations.

— crimesider staff, CBS News, "Bill Cosby trial: Topless protester charges towards comedian as retrial begins," 9 Apr. 2018
After limiting the focus of the first trial, Judge Steven O'Neill has been willing to let both sides push the retrial well beyond Constand's allegations.

— michael r. sisak, chicagotribune.com, "Topless protester charges at Bill Cosby as retrial begins," 9 Apr. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

willing Synonyms

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

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

WILLING Defined for Kids

willing

adjective will·ing \ ˈwi-liŋ \

Definition of willing for Students

1 : feeling no objection

I'm willing to go.

2 : not slow or lazy

She's a willing worker.

3 : made, done, or given by choice : voluntary

a willing sacrifice

—

willingly

adverb

—

willingness

noun

Learn More about willing

See words that rhyme with willing Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for willing Spanish Central: Translation of willing Nglish: Translation of willing for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of willing for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up willing? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

willing

Definition of willing

willingly

willingness

Examples of willing in a Sentence

Recent Examples of willing from the Web

First Known Use of willing

willing Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Synonym Discussion of willing

Phrases Related to WILLING

Related Phrases

WILLING Defined for English Language Learners

willing

Definition of willing for English Language Learners

WILLING Defined for Kids

willing

Definition of willing for Students

willingly

willingness

Learn More about willing

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Trending: HRC: Media Opened Door to 'Charlatans'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes