English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Very common

growing

GROH-ihng
Quiz me More like this

Growing (noun) means the process of increasing, developing, or cultivating. Example: “The growing of tomatoes needs plenty of sunshine and regular watering.”

noun
1
The process of increasing, developing, or cultivating.
"The growing of tomatoes needs plenty of sunshine and regular watering."
"Children do a lot of growing between the ages of ten and fourteen."
"Growing your own vegetables can save money and taste better."

How to use growing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe act of getting bigger or of raising plants.

Common pairings
growing pains crop growing
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like growing.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
growings
Test yourself on “growing” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of tomatoes needs plenty of sunshine and regular watering.

Related words

Rhymes for growing

See all rhymes for growing →

Frequently asked questions

What does “growing” mean?
The word “growing” means the process of increasing, developing, or cultivating. In plain terms, the act of getting bigger or of raising plants.
How do you pronounce “growing”?
“Growing” is pronounced GROH-ihng (/ˈɡɹoʊɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “growing” in a sentence?
Here is “growing” used in a sentence: “Growing your own vegetables can save money and taste better.”
What part of speech is “growing”?
“Growing” is a noun.
Is “growing” a common word?
“Growing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between 'growing' and 'growth'?
They are closely linked. 'Growing' names the ongoing process or act of increasing and developing, emphasising something in motion. 'Growth' usually refers to the result or amount of that increase. You might say a plant is 'growing' while measuring its 'growth' over the season.
What does 'growing' mean in gardening?
In gardening and farming, 'growing' means cultivating plants — planting, tending, and helping them develop to maturity. Someone 'growing tomatoes' is actively raising them from seed or seedling. Here the word stresses the care and conditions a person provides, not just the plant's natural increase.
Can 'growing' apply to things other than living things?
Yes. Beyond plants and bodies, 'growing' describes any steady increase or development — a growing business, a growing population, or a growing sense of unease. In these uses it points to something expanding in size, number, or intensity over time, whether physical or abstract.

Featured in

People also searched