English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

makings

Quiz me More like this

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
1
The essential ingredients, qualities, or materials needed to become or produce something.
"The project has the makings of success: a strong leader, a committed workforce, and a workable plan."
"He has the makings of a fine leader, and we, the nominating committee, are pleased to present him to the membership as our candidate."
"She has the makings of a great leader."
"He bought the makings for a barbecue this weekend."
"I have bread, mayonnaise, mustard, turkey, and lettuce: all the makings of a sandwich as far as I'm concerned."

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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like makings.
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
Test yourself on “makings” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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.