noun
Common
sharing
SHEH-uh-rihng
Sharing (noun) means the act of letting others use or enjoy something along with you. Example: “The kids learned the importance of sharing at nursery.”
noun
1
The act of letting others use or enjoy something along with you.
"The kids learned the importance of sharing at nursery."
"File sharing made it easy to send the photos to the whole family."
"Sharing a flat helps students keep their costs down and make friends."
2
Something held or experienced in common with others.
"There was a real sense of sharing among the volunteers."
"The evening was full of sharing, laughter and stories from everyone's childhood."
"Their friendship was built on the sharing of hopes and worries."
How to use sharing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGiving part of what you have, or letting others use something along with you.
Common pairings
file sharing
cost sharing
knowledge sharing
sharing economy
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Word forms
- Plural
- sharings
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The kids learned the importance of _____ at nursery.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for sharing
See all rhymes for sharing →Frequently asked questions
What does “sharing” mean?
The word “sharing” means the act of letting others use or enjoy something along with you. In plain terms, giving part of what you have, or letting others use something along with you.
How do you pronounce “sharing”?
“Sharing” is pronounced SHEH-uh-rihng (/ˈʃɛɚ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sharing” in a sentence?
Here is “sharing” used in a sentence: “The kids learned the importance of sharing at nursery.”
What part of speech is “sharing”?
“Sharing” is a noun.
Is “sharing” a common word?
“Sharing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sharing” have?
“Sharing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of letting others use or enjoy something along with you.
What is the difference between sharing and giving?
When you give something, you hand it over completely and no longer keep it. When you share, you let others use or enjoy something while you still keep a stake in it, or you divide it so everyone gets a portion. Sharing implies joint use or a split; giving implies a full transfer.
Why is sharing important?
Sharing builds trust and cooperation, letting people pool resources so everyone benefits. In childhood it is a key social skill that teaches fairness and empathy. Among adults and communities it spreads cost, reduces waste, and strengthens relationships. Whether it is food, tools, or ideas, sharing turns individual resources into something collective.
Can sharing be taught?
Yes. Sharing is widely regarded as a learned social skill rather than a pure instinct. Children pick it up through example, gentle encouragement, and taking turns, gradually learning to consider others' needs. Adults can develop it too, in workplaces and communities, by building habits and systems that make pooling and cooperating easier.
What is an example of sharing?
Splitting a pizza with friends, lending a neighbour your tools, letting a colleague use your notes, or posting something online for others to enjoy are all sharing. So is dividing a task among a team. In each case something is made available for others to use or enjoy alongside you.
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