noun
Common
raising
RAY-zihng
Raising (noun) means the act of bringing up and caring for a child. Example: “Raising three kids on one income wasn't easy.”
noun
1
The act of bringing up and caring for a child.
"Raising three kids on one income wasn't easy."
"Raising a child teaches you patience you never knew you had."
"Their approach to raising their daughter was gentle but firm."
2
The act of collecting or gathering, especially of money or support.
"The charity's fundraising raising exceeded its target this year."
"The raising of funds for the new playground took the whole community months."
"Her talent lay in the raising of support for local causes."
3
The act of lifting or setting something to a higher position, such as putting up the frame of a building.
"Neighbours came together for the barn raising."
"The raising of the flagpole took four people and a strong rope."
"Everyone cheered at the raising of the tent's last pole."
How to use raising
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of lifting something, bringing up a child, or gathering money or support.
Common pairings
child raising
fund raising
barn raising
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Word forms
- Plural
- raisings
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_____ three kids on one income wasn't easy.
Etymology
The "-ing" form of "raise", from Middle English reysynge.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for raising
rising
arising
devising
advising
bruising
cruising
uprising
praising
promising
surprising
exercising
practising
See all rhymes for raising →
Frequently asked questions
What does “raising” mean?
The word “raising” means the act of bringing up and caring for a child. In plain terms, the act of lifting something, bringing up a child, or gathering money or support.
How do you pronounce “raising”?
“Raising” is pronounced RAY-zihng (/ˈɹeɪzɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “raising” in a sentence?
Here is “raising” used in a sentence: “Raising three kids on one income wasn't easy.”
What part of speech is “raising”?
“Raising” is a noun.
Where does the word “raising” come from?
The word “raising” comes from Middle English. The "-ing" form of "raise", from Middle English reysynge.
Is “raising” a common word?
“Raising” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “raising” have?
“Raising” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of bringing up and caring for a child.
What is the difference between raising and rearing?
Both mean bringing up and caring for a child until maturity, and they overlap almost entirely. Raising is the everyday term, especially in American English. Rearing sounds more formal or old-fashioned, is common in British English, and applies readily to animals as well as children.
What does raising a child involve?
Raising a child covers meeting physical needs — food, shelter, safety — alongside emotional support, guidance, education, and discipline. It means nurturing a child's development over many years, teaching values and skills, and gradually preparing them for independent adult life. It is a long-term, hands-on responsibility.
Is raising only used for children?
As a noun for upbringing, raising centres on children, but the verb raise stretches much further — you can raise animals, crops, money, a question, or your hand. In the childcare sense, though, raising specifically means the nurturing and rearing of a young person over time.
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