hiding

¹ American  

[hahy-ding] / ˈhaɪ dɪŋ /

noun

1. act of concealing; concealment.

   to remain in hiding.

2. a secret refuge or means of concealment.

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hiding ² American  

[hahy-ding] / ˈhaɪ dɪŋ /

noun

Informal.

1. a severe beating; flogging; thrashing.

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hiding ¹ British  

/ ˈhaɪdɪŋ /

noun

1. the state of concealment (esp in the phrase in hiding )

2. a place of concealment

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hiding ² British  

/ ˈhaɪdɪŋ /

noun

1. informal a flogging; beating

2. to be bound to fail; to face impossible odds

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Etymology

Origin of hiding¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; hide ¹ + -ing ¹

Origin of hiding²

First recorded in 1800–10; hide ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Intuitiveness is often achieved by hiding complexity, and hiding complexity means that users never have to encounter, or question, what’s happening behind the scenes.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

He encourages her to stop hiding behind her Stoic detachment and let more of the world in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

When Claire Harkin met her husband 11 years ago she didn't know he was hiding a secret that would tear her world apart.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

The sweeps split families, cost businesses millions of dollars and drove many undocumented residents into hiding.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Sooner or later we knew we were going to have to start hiding people here in the city.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom