making

noun

mak·​ing ˈmā-kiŋ How to pronounce making (audio)
Synonyms of makingnext
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 How to pronounce making (audio)
ˈmā-kiŋz
plural : the material from which something is to be made
especially \ usually  ˈmā-​kənz \ : paper and tobacco for rolling cigarettes by hand

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
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.
Private museum tours, sandal-making workshops, and boat trips to the nearby islands of Aegina and Kea (where another One&Only opens in 2024) can be arranged. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026 And who could tell if his destiny was inevitable or of his own making? Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026 Figuring out his comfort level in decision making, how to handle certain situations and even mistakes were to be expected for a guy who had not managed or even coached at any level. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026 Szeemann’s two Venice Biennales followed a decade of frantic exhibition-making across the globe, by Szeemann himself and by young professionals proud to call themselves independent curators. Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for making

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of making was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Making.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/making. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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

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