noun

killing

KIHL-ihng

noun

An act in which someone or something is killed.

"The killing shocked the small town."

A large, sudden profit or financial gain — usually in the phrase "make a killing."

"They made a killing on that property sale."

adj

So funny that it makes you laugh uncontrollably.

"His impression of the boss was absolutely killing."

How to Use Killing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe act of causing death; informally, also a big financial win, or something hilariously funny.

Common pairings

make a killing a brutal killing

more killing comparative, killings plural, most killing superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ shocked the small town.

From Middle English "kyllyng," the noun/adjective form of "kill."

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