walking
WAW-kihng
Walking (adjective) means moving on foot, especially at an ordinary, unhurried pace, as opposed to running. Example: “The walking group meets outside the library every Saturday morning.”
adjective
1
Moving on foot, especially at an ordinary, unhurried pace, as opposed to running.
"The walking group meets outside the library every Saturday morning."
"We kept a steady walking pace along the coastal path."
"The doctor recommended a brisk walking routine for his heart."
2
Able to move around and function despite illness or injury; still on one's feet.
"He came into work with a walking case of the flu."
"After the long hike, several of us were walking wounded, limping with blisters."
"Walking patients waited in the corridor while the nurse checked the stretcher cases."
3
Used before a noun to mean someone or something is a living embodiment of a quality — an over-the-top personification.
"My grandfather is a walking weather forecast, because his knees ache before every storm."
"With all his historical trivia, Dave is basically a walking encyclopedia."
"She's a walking advertisement for the gym she owns."
noun
1
A bass line, common in jazz, blues, and early rock and roll, that moves steadily note by note like footsteps, usually one note per beat.
"The bassist switched to a walking pattern under the piano solo."
How to use walking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoving on foot at a normal pace — or, as an intensifier, embodying some trait so strongly you could be a living example of it.
Memory tip
"A walking dictionary" or "a walking disaster" is a common pattern: walking + noun means "the human version of."
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
walking distance
walking pace
walking stick
walking bass line
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Etymology
From Middle English walkynge, the -ing form of walk, which goes back to an Old English verb meaning "to roll" or "to travel about".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for walking
See all rhymes for walking →Frequently asked questions
What does “walking” mean?
The word “walking” means moving on foot, especially at an ordinary, unhurried pace, as opposed to running. In plain terms, moving on foot at a normal pace — or, as an intensifier, embodying some trait so strongly you could be a living example of it.
How do you pronounce “walking”?
“Walking” is pronounced WAW-kihng (/ˈwɔ.kɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “walking” in a sentence?
Here is “walking” used in a sentence: “We kept a steady walking pace along the coastal path.”
What part of speech is “walking”?
Depending on how it is used, “walking” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “walking” come from?
The word “walking” comes from Old English. From Middle English walkynge, the -ing form of walk, which goes back to an Old English verb meaning "to roll" or "to travel about".
Is “walking” a common word?
“Walking” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “walking” have?
“Walking” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: moving on foot, especially at an ordinary, unhurried pace, as opposed to running.
What is the difference between walking and running?
When walking, at least one foot stays in contact with the ground at all times, and the pace is ordinary and unhurried. Running is faster and includes a brief airborne phase where both feet leave the ground between strides. Walking is lower-impact; running is more intense.
What does 'within walking distance' mean?
'Within walking distance' means a place is close enough to reach comfortably on foot, without needing a car or transport. There is no exact limit — it depends on the person and setting — but it usually implies a journey of a few minutes up to perhaps a mile.
What is walking pace?
Walking pace is the ordinary, unhurried speed of a person on foot, on average around three miles per hour, though it varies with age, fitness, and terrain. The phrase is also used loosely to describe anything moving slowly and steadily rather than rushing.
Is walking good exercise?
Yes. Walking is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that supports heart health, mobility, and mood while putting little strain on the joints. Because it needs no equipment and suits almost every fitness level, it is one of the most accessible forms of physical activity.
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