passing

1 of 3

noun

pass·​ing ˈpa-siŋ How to pronounce passing (audio)
: the act of one that passes or causes to pass
especially : death sense 1a

passing

2 of 3

adjective

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
5
a
: 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

3 of 3

adverb

: to a surpassing degree : exceedingly
passing strange
Phrases
in passing
: by the way : incidentally

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
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.
Noun
The passing of Pete Rose this year brought to mind the discussion of batting average versus slugging percentage for stock selection and portfolio management. Bill Stone, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 Our hearts are broken after learning of the passing of Colin Brown, a CBC and Affton Americans hockey player that was tragically shot while riding home from his game on Nov. 23. CBS News, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Though dismissed by critics at the time, that dance-off sequel feels more like a masterpiece with each passing year, an early demonstration of its director’s ability to spin new worlds through movement and mood. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024 The Packers admittedly do not have a traditional, alpha No. 1 receiver, but there are games where Reed is the primary option in this passing attack, and the Lions have allowed the most passing yards per game to opposing No. 1 receivers, per DVOA. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for passing 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near passing

Cite this Entry

“Passing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passing. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

passing

1 of 2 noun
pass·​ing ˈpas-iŋ How to pronounce passing (audio)
1
: the act of one that passes or causes to pass
2

passing

2 of 2 adjective
1
: going by or past
the passing crowd
2
: lasting only for a short time
especially : showing haste or lack of attention : hasty, superficial
a passing glance
3
: used for the act or process of passing
the passing lane
4
: given on satisfactory completion of an examination or course of study
a passing grade

More from Merriam-Webster on passing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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