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.
The Swallows were a pretty dull group of four siblings—Susan was always doing the cooking and discussing the best way to scramble egg, while bossy John was some kind of Tory MP in the making. Literary Hub, 20 May 2026 For families The kids club is tucked away in a garden, with its own pool and water slide as well as a jungle gym and craft classes (like lantern-making, coconut leaf art, and seashell bracelet decorating) for children up to age 12. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026 Rather, the mayor would have additional influence on the council’s policy-making. Daniel Borenstein, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 The project has been years in the making. Miami Herald, 19 May 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 21 May. 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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