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 notesIn plain EnglishLetting an engine run without moving, or more generally, doing nothing productive.
Common pairings
engine idling
idling in traffic
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Word forms
- Plural
- idlings
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Some cities now fine drivers for _____ outside schools.
Synonyms
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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.
