speeding
Speeding (noun) means driving faster than the legal speed limit. Example: “He got a ticket for speeding on the highway.”
How to use speeding
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDriving too fast, breaking the speed limit.
Word forms
speedings plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He got a ticket for _____ on the highway.
Etymology
From "speed" plus the "-ing" ending.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for speeding
Frequently asked questions
What does “speeding” mean?
The word “speeding” means driving faster than the legal speed limit. In plain terms, driving too fast, breaking the speed limit.
How do you pronounce “speeding”?
“Speeding” is pronounced SPEE-dihng (/ˈspiːdɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “speeding” in a sentence?
Here is “speeding” used in a sentence: “He got a ticket for speeding on the highway.”
What part of speech is “speeding”?
Depending on how it is used, “speeding” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “speeding” a common word?
“Speeding” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “speeding” have?
“Speeding” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: driving faster than the legal speed limit.
Is speeding a criminal offense or a civil traffic violation?
Speeding is generally treated as a traffic infraction rather than a criminal offense, though penalties vary widely depending on jurisdiction and how far over the limit the driver was going. In many places, excessive speeding can be escalated to a criminal charge such as reckless driving.
What is the difference between speeding and reckless driving?
Speeding specifically refers to driving faster than the posted legal speed limit, while reckless driving is a broader charge covering any dangerous or careless operation of a vehicle, which may or may not involve excessive speed. Reckless driving charges are typically more serious and can carry criminal penalties.
Can speeding refer to something other than driving a car?
Yes, as an adjective, speeding describes anything moving very quickly, such as a speeding bullet or a speeding train, not just vehicles violating traffic law. The noun sense, however, is specifically tied to exceeding a legal speed limit while driving.