taking

[ tey-king ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that takes.
2. the state of being taken. taken.
3. something that is taken. taken.
4. an action by the federal government, as a regulatory ruling, that imposes a restriction on the use of private property for which the owner must be compensated.
5. takings, receipts, especially of money earned or gained.
6. Archaic. a state of agitation or distress.

adjective

1. captivating, winning, or pleasing.
2. Archaic. infectious or contagious.

taking

/ ˈteɪkɪŋ /

adjective

1. charming, fascinating, or intriguing
2. informal.
   infectious; catching

noun

1. something taken
2. plural receipts; earnings

Derived Forms

• ˈtakingness, noun
• ˈtakingly, adverb

Other Words From

• taking·ly adverb
• un·taking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of taking¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English takyng (gerund); take, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Matt Rife is taking a two-week break from his stand-up comedy world tour due to ‘extreme exhaustion.’

From Los Angeles Times

Having long promised to gut the federal workforce and even eliminate some departments, Trump has foregone many of the norms associated with peacefully taking office.

From Salon

It's clear that the tag team of Stephen Miller and Tom Homan are prepared to initiate Trump's mass deportation program immediately upon taking office.

From Salon

The others spoke to the BBC anonymously on the grounds that they were taking part in ongoing negotiations.

From BBC

One of Wales' top footballers has been accused by teammates, parents and sponsors of taking thousands of pounds that she has not returned.

From BBC