adj
Very common
taking
TAY-kihng
Taking (adj) means charming or attractive in a way that draws people in. Example: “She had a taking smile that put everyone at ease.”
adj
1
Charming or attractive in a way that draws people in.
"She had a taking smile that put everyone at ease."
"The young actor had a taking manner that won over the audience."
"He was a taking fellow, and strangers soon became his friends."
noun
1
The act of taking something, or (in plural) money received by a business.
"The shop's daily takings were down after the storm."
"Police recorded the taking of the stolen jewelry."
"The cafe owner counted the weekend takings before closing the till."
How to use taking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs an adjective, attractive or appealing; as a noun (often plural "takings"), money a business has earned.
Common pairings
a taking manner
the day's takings
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Word forms
- Plural
- takings
- Comparative
- more taking
- Superlative
- most taking
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She had a _____ smile that put everyone at ease.
Etymology
From take plus the suffix -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
bestowal
restitution
Related words
Rhymes for taking
See all rhymes for taking →Frequently asked questions
What does “taking” mean?
The word “taking” means charming or attractive in a way that draws people in. In plain terms, as an adjective, attractive or appealing; as a noun (often plural "takings"), money a business has earned.
How do you pronounce “taking”?
“Taking” is pronounced TAY-kihng (/ˈteɪkɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “taking” in a sentence?
Here is “taking” used in a sentence: “She had a taking smile that put everyone at ease.”
What is another word for “taking”?
Words with a similar meaning to “taking” include acquisition.
What is the opposite of “taking”?
The opposite of “taking” — its antonyms — are bestowal and restitution.
What part of speech is “taking”?
Depending on how it is used, “taking” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “taking” a common word?
“Taking” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “taking” have?
“Taking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: charming or attractive in a way that draws people in.
What does 'taking' mean as an adjective?
As an adjective, "taking" describes someone or something charming and attractive in a way that draws people in, as in a taking smile or a taking manner. It is a somewhat old-fashioned, literary use. Far more often, "taking" is simply the -ing form of the verb "take," as in "taking a photo."
Is 'taking' a positive word?
In its adjective sense, yes. Calling a person or their manner "taking" is a compliment, close to charming, winning, or appealing. It suggests an attractive quality that naturally draws others in. The word carries warmth rather than criticism, though today it sounds a little dated compared with everyday alternatives like "charming."
What is an example of 'taking' used this way?
You might read that "she had a taking way about her" or that a child has "a taking little smile." In each case, "taking" means charming and appealing, a quality that attracts people. The phrasing feels literary or old-fashioned, so in modern speech most people would simply say "charming" or "attractive."
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Vocabulary lists that include taking:
