doing

noun

do·​ing ˈdü-iŋ How to pronounce doing (audio)
1
: the act of performing or executing : action
that will take a great deal of doing
2
doings plural
a
: things that are done or that occur : goings-on
everyday doings
b
: social activities

Examples of doing in a Sentence

It's the doing of the good deed that is important, not the thanks you receive. is that mess in the kitchen your doing?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And if his readership remained informed on his doings, the prince and his supporters didn’t succeed in silencing him and the rest of the rebellious faction. Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 4 Apr. 2025 Selena Gomez could have been the one that got away for Benny Blanco, thanks to his own doing. Escher Walcott, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025 That a majority of the Republicans serving in the state Legislature now find themselves on the wrong end of the very important law capping their outside income is entirely their own doing. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Mar. 2025 James, a police detective, has disappeared after some strange doings at work, leaving behind a mysterious letter with covert messages that John helps decode. Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for doing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of doing was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doing. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

doing

noun
do·​ing ˈdü-iŋ How to pronounce doing (audio)
1
: the act of performing or carrying out : action
it will take some doing to beat us
2
plural
a
: things that are done or that occur
everyday doings
b
: social activities
big doings tonight

More from Merriam-Webster on doing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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