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

The first could attract more bidding interest from investors due to higher yields which are likely to be offered by the longer-dated securities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Competing against streaming giant Netflix, Paramount Skydance prevailed in the bidding war for Warner Bros.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 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

Paramount Skydance won the bidding war for Warner Bros.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

The bidding continued between Benji and the rest of the audience, while Felix made his way to the edge of the gym.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty

Related Words

• auction
• tender