bidding

American  

[bid-ing] / ˈbɪd ɪŋ /

noun

1. command; summons; invitation.

   I went there at his bidding.

2. bids bid collectively, or a period during which bids bid are made or received.

   The bidding began furiously.

3. a bid. bide.

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idioms

1. do someone's bidding, to submit to someone's orders; perform services for someone.

   After he was promoted to vice president at the bank, he expected everyone around him to do his bidding.

bidding British  

/ ˈbɪdɪŋ /

noun

1. an order; command (often in the phrases do or follow the bidding of , at someone's bidding )

2. an invitation; summons

3. the act of making bids, as at an auction or in bridge

4. bridge a group of bids considered collectively, esp those made on a particular deal

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Etymology

Origin of bidding

Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; bid ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Helium users, who mostly lock in supply through long-term contracts, are now scrambling for scarce short-term spot market cargoes, a bidding war that has caused prices to more than double, market watchers say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Oil refiners are also bidding more aggressively for crude as they try to boost production as markets around the world are hit by shortages of jet fuel and diesel, said Ole Hansen from Saxo Bank.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

What’s Next: Netflix’s own investors were unhappy with its attempt to buy Warner Bros, but it ultimately decided not to engage in a bidding war with Paramount.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Netflix initially won the bidding war in early December with a $27.75 offer for the studios and streaming services, including HBO Max.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Greed may do your bidding, but death serves no man.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

• auction
• tender