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noun

idling

Idling (noun) means the act of running an engine while it is not in gear or doing any work. Example: “Some cities now fine drivers for idling outside schools.”

noun
1
The act of running an engine while it is not in gear or doing any work.
"Some cities now fine drivers for idling outside schools."
2
A period of doing nothing in particular.
"After weeks of idling, she finally started applying for jobs."

How to use idling

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLetting an engine run without moving, or more generally, doing nothing productive.

Common pairings
engine idling idling in traffic

Word forms

idlings plural

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Some cities now fine drivers for _____ outside schools.

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “idling” mean?

The word “idling” means the act of running an engine while it is not in gear or doing any work. In plain terms, letting an engine run without moving, or more generally, doing nothing productive.

How do you use “idling” in a sentence?

Here is “idling” used in a sentence: “Some cities now fine drivers for idling outside schools.”

What part of speech is “idling”?

“Idling” is a noun.

How many meanings does “idling” have?

“Idling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of running an engine while it is not in gear or doing any work.

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