making

1 of 2

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 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

making

2 of 2

present participle of make entry 1

Synonyms of making

Noun

• potential
• material
• potentiality

Examples of making in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

That had Heat coach Erik Spoelstra comparing Antetokounmpo’s play-making to that of Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

The early connections esparza had with Asco resonated deeply in his relationship to art-making. — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

The amount of polarization can also reveal how big the rainbow-making raindrops are and possibly even their composition. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026

The leader uses empathy and curiosity to support employee sense-making. — John Radman, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

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

Rhymes for making

• aching
• baking
• braking
• breaking
• caking
• faking
• flaking
• quaking
• raking
• shaking
• slaking
• snaking

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