noun
Very common
looking
LUU-kihng
Looking (noun) means the act of directing one's eyes toward something; a glance or gaze. Example: “Careful looking at the old map showed a tiny path nobody had noticed.”
noun
1
The act of directing one's eyes toward something; a glance or gaze.
"Careful looking at the old map showed a tiny path nobody had noticed."
"A quick looking around the room told her nobody was home."
"His constant looking at his phone annoyed the teacher."
How to use looking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of using your eyes to see or search for something.
Common mistake
Usually used as the -ing verb form ("I am looking") rather than a standalone noun; as a true noun it sounds old-fashioned or overly formal.
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Word forms
- Plural
- lookings
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Careful _____ at the old map showed a tiny path nobody had noticed.
Etymology
From Old English lōcung, the noun form of look, with the -ing ending that turns a verb into an action-noun.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for looking
See all rhymes for looking →Frequently asked questions
What does “looking” mean?
The word “looking” means the act of directing one's eyes toward something; a glance or gaze. In plain terms, the act of using your eyes to see or search for something.
How do you pronounce “looking”?
“Looking” is pronounced LUU-kihng (/ˈlʊkɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “looking” in a sentence?
Here is “looking” used in a sentence: “A quick looking around the room told her nobody was home.”
What part of speech is “looking”?
“Looking” is a noun.
Where does the word “looking” come from?
The word “looking” comes from Old English. From Old English lōcung, the noun form of look, with the -ing ending that turns a verb into an action-noun.
Is “looking” a common word?
“Looking” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between looking and seeing?
Looking is an active choice — you deliberately direct your eyes toward something to observe it. Seeing is passive: it simply happens when light reaches your eyes, whether you mean it to or not. You can look at a page without seeing the mistake, or see something in the corner of your eye without looking.
What is the difference between looking and watching?
Looking is directing your eyes toward something for a moment — a glance or a gaze. Watching means looking at something over a stretch of time, usually because it moves or changes, like watching a film. You look at a photograph, but you watch a game unfold from start to finish.
What is an example of 'looking' as a noun?
Used as a noun, 'looking' names the act of using one's eyes, as in 'a quick looking around the room' or the phrase 'looking is free.' It often blends into gerund phrases like 'window-looking.' In most everyday sentences, though, a 'look,' 'glance,' or 'gaze' is the more natural noun choice.
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