noun
cocking
Cocking (noun) means the practice of raising and pitting gamecocks against each other; cockfighting. Example: “Cocking was once a popular, if brutal, spectator sport in rural England.”
noun
1
The practice of raising and pitting gamecocks against each other; cockfighting.
"Cocking was once a popular, if brutal, spectator sport in rural England."
adjective
1
British slang used to mean worthless, annoying, or contemptible.
"He called the whole scheme a cocking waste of time."
How to use cocking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHistorically the sport of fighting roosters; informally, a mild swear-adjacent insult in British slang.
When to use it
The adjective sense is informal and mildly vulgar British slang.
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Word forms
- Plural
- cockings
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_____ was once a popular, if brutal, spectator sport in rural England.
Etymology
From cock (a male bird, especially a rooster) plus the suffix -ing.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for cocking
See all rhymes for cocking →Frequently asked questions
What does “cocking” mean?
The word “cocking” means the practice of raising and pitting gamecocks against each other; cockfighting. In plain terms, historically the sport of fighting roosters; informally, a mild swear-adjacent insult in British slang.
How do you use “cocking” in a sentence?
Here is “cocking” used in a sentence: “Cocking was once a popular, if brutal, spectator sport in rural England.”
What part of speech is “cocking”?
Depending on how it is used, “cocking” can be a noun and an adjective.
How many meanings does “cocking” have?
“Cocking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the practice of raising and pitting gamecocks against each other; cockfighting.
