milling

[ mil-ing ]

noun

1. an act or instance of subjecting something to the operation of a mill.
2. an act or process of producing plane or shaped surfaces with a milling machine.
3. Coining.
   1. an act or process of making a raised edge on a coin or the like.
   2. an act or process of making narrow, radial grooves on such a raised edge.
   3. a number of grooves so made.
4. Slang. a beating or thrashing.

milling

/ ˈmɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of grinding, cutting, pressing, or crushing in a mill
2. the vertical grooves or fluting on the edge of a coin, etc
3. (in W North America) a method of halting a stampede of cattle by turning the leaders in a wide arc until the herd turns in upon itself in a tightening spiral

Word History and Origins

Origin of milling¹

1425–75; late Middle English. See mill ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

County prosecutors could be seen milling around Hochman’s election night event.

From Los Angeles Times

On another occasion, players milling about nearby, Bieniemy told them, “Don’t be afraid of being great! It’s OK!”

From Los Angeles Times

Some journalists gathered around him to hear him toil and spin, but most just ignored the former and possibly future president of the United States and just kept milling around and chatting with each other.

From Salon

They talk about stuff that they wouldn’t talk about if it was a cocktail party with 30 people milling around.

From Los Angeles Times

Elijah Muchima announced that approximately half of the 25 samples taken from milling companies were found to contain exceedingly high levels of aflatoxins, a poisonous substance produced by fungi.

From BBC