saving
SAY-vihng
Saving (noun) means a reduction in the amount of money, time, or effort spent. Example: “Buying in bulk gives you a decent saving.”
noun
1
A reduction in the amount of money, time, or effort spent.
"Buying in bulk gives you a decent saving."
"Switching to LED bulbs brings a big saving on electricity."
"Working from home meant a real saving in travel time."
2
Money set aside for future use.
"They dipped into their savings to cover the repair bill."
"Her savings grew slowly while she lived with her parents."
"He keeps some savings put aside for a rainy day."
adj
1
Careful with money; thrifty.
"His saving habits meant he retired comfortably."
"She is a saving sort of person who never wastes anything."
"Their saving ways helped them buy a small house."
prep
1
Except for; with the exception of (formal).
"Saving a few typos, the report was excellent."
"Saving the odd rainy day, the whole trip was wonderful."
"All the guests had left, saving the host and one tired cousin."
How to use saving
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoney kept back, a reduction in cost, or (formally) an exception.
Common pairings
savings account
cost savings
a saving of time
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like saving.
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
Word forms
- Plural
- savings
- Comparative
- more saving
- Superlative
- most saving
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Buying in bulk gives you a decent _____.
Etymology
From "save" plus the "-ing" ending.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for saving
See all rhymes for saving →Frequently asked questions
What does “saving” mean?
The word “saving” means a reduction in the amount of money, time, or effort spent. In plain terms, money kept back, a reduction in cost, or (formally) an exception.
How do you pronounce “saving”?
“Saving” is pronounced SAY-vihng (/ˈseɪ.vɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “saving” in a sentence?
Here is “saving” used in a sentence: “Buying in bulk gives you a decent saving.”
What part of speech is “saving”?
Depending on how it is used, “saving” can be a noun, an adjective and a preposition.
Is “saving” a common word?
“Saving” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “saving” have?
“Saving” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a reduction in the amount of money, time, or effort spent.
What is the difference between saving and savings?
A saving is a single reduction — the money, time, or effort you avoid spending, as in 'a saving of £20.' Savings, usually plural, refers to money you have set aside and accumulated over time. In short, a saving is what you cut; savings are what you keep.
What is an example of a saving?
Buying in bulk to cut your grocery bill produces a saving, as does taking a shortcut that trims your journey time. A discount, a lower energy tariff, or automating a slow task all create savings in money, time, or effort — the resource you no longer have to spend.
What are the types of saving?
Savings are usually grouped by the resource they conserve: cost savings reduce money spent, time savings shorten how long something takes, and efficiency or energy savings lower the effort or power required. The same action can deliver several at once — an automated process may save both hours and money.
Is saving a positive word?
Generally yes. A saving implies efficiency, thrift, and getting the same result for less, which most people regard as sensible and desirable. It carries none of the negativity of loss or cutting corners, because the outcome is preserved while the cost falls. Businesses and households alike prize savings.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include saving:
