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 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

making

2 of 2

present participle of make entry 1

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
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Noun
His grandmother was a coal plant chemical engineer closely aligned to steel making, and his mother, father, and uncle all work in the sector. — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026 That kind of performance — along with Jones making plays — represents a return to normalcy for fellow Broncos defenders. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026 Originally from south Sacramento, Stewart said her career in candle making can be linked to her mother. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026 Sundays bring workshop in ceramics, incense and candle making. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for making

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

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 14 Oct. 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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