blacking

American  

[blak-ing] / ˈblæk ɪŋ /

noun

1. any preparation for producing a black coating or finish, as on shoes or stoves.

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blacking British  

/ ˈblækɪŋ /

noun

1. any preparation, esp one containing lampblack, for giving a black finish to shoes, metals, etc

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Etymology

Origin of blacking

First recorded in 1590–1600; black + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"On Saturday I was blacking in and out, I didn't know what to do," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

The Acton Town Council told the utilities commission in January that Edison was blacking out residents when dangerous conditions “do not exist.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

In a twist on condo conversions, some people even remodeled the upper floors of their homes — blacking out windows and drilling ventilation holes — to make them habitable for swiftlets.

From New York Times • Apr. 2, 2024

Those moderators have publicly protested earlier Reddit decisions, most recently blacking out much of the site for days when Reddit announced plans to start charging many third-party apps for access to its content.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2024

And then his right hand begins to burn, the pain sharp and searing, beginning at the scar around his finger and racing up his arm, blacking out every thought in his mind.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern