making

noun

mak·​ing ˈmā-kiŋ 

1

: the act or process of forming, causing, doing, or coming into being

spots problems in the making

2

: a process or means of advancement or success

3

: something made

especially : a quantity produced at one time : batch

4

a

: potentiality

—often used in plural

had the makings of a great artist

b

makings ˈmā-kənz 

ˈmā-kiŋz

plural : the material from which something is to be made

especially \ usually  ˈmā-​kənz \ : paper and tobacco for rolling cigarettes by hand

Synonyms

• material
• raw material
• stuff
• substance
• timber

Examples of making in a Sentence

methods used in the making of wine

she has all the makings of an excellent leader, but she needs some experience first

Recent Examples on the Web

This game has all the makings to be a lower-scoring affair, especially with Georgia quarterback Carson Beck expected to miss due to injury. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

With few warm holiday memories to draw from, my mother simply felt her way through, establishing Christmas traditions of her own making. —Joanna Solotaroff, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024

And these weren't just colorful, exciting cookies that add to the conversation around festive cookie making. —Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024

This is primo pebble ice making; expect all the features. —Lauren Joseph, Bon Appétit, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English macung, from macian to make

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing making

• decision-making
• epoch-making
• history in the making
• hit-making
• in the making
• making a comeback
• making all the right noises
• making (a lot of) noise
• making noise
• making noises
• making soothing/reassuring noises
• non-profit-making
• not making much sense
• of one's own making
• policy-making
• slave-making ant
• the making of

Kids Definition

making

noun

mak·​ing

ˈmā-kiŋ

1

: the act of forming, causing, doing, or coming into being

spots problems in the making

2

: a process or means of advancement or success

3

: material from which something can be developed : potentiality

there is the making of a racehorse in this colt

—often used in plural

has the makings of a great quarterback

4

plural : the materials from which something can be made