noun

makings

Makings (noun) means the essential ingredients, qualities, or materials needed to become or produce something. Example: “She has the makings of a great leader.”

noun

The essential ingredients, qualities, or materials needed to become or produce something.

"She has the makings of a great leader."

"He bought the makings for a barbecue this weekend."

How to use makings

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe raw ingredients or qualities something needs in order to become the finished thing.

Common mistake

Always used in the plural — you don't say "a making" for ingredients.

Common pairings

the makings of has the makings of

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She has the _____ of a great leader.

Frequently asked questions

What does “makings” mean?

The word “makings” means the essential ingredients, qualities, or materials needed to become or produce something. In plain terms, the raw ingredients or qualities something needs in order to become the finished thing.

How do you use “makings” in a sentence?

Here is “makings” used in a sentence: “She has the makings of a great leader.”

What part of speech is “makings”?

“Makings” is a noun.

What is the meaning of makings?

"makings" (noun) means the essential ingredients, qualities, or materials needed to become or produce something.