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hacking

American  
[hak-ing] / ˈhæk ɪŋ /

noun

  1. replacement of a single course of stonework by two or more lower courses.


hacking British  
/ ˈhækɪŋ /

adjective

  1. (of a cough) harsh, dry, and spasmodic

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of hacking

1400–50; late Middle English, in literal sense. See hack 1, -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He told MarketWatch that cybersecurity stocks are especially benefiting from the war, given the increased threat of hacking from Iran-linked actors.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Last year, a pro-Israel hacking group called “Predatory Sparrow” drained more than $90 million from Nobitex.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Last week, the US justice department seized several Handala domain names it says were involved in hacking schemes linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

According to Stratton, Lam, posing as a Google representative, called the investor and convinced the man to give up his password and security codes to prevent what Lam described as a hacking attempt.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

He pointed out the trees and shrubs that needed to go, and Roz started hacking away.

From "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown