wearing

1 of 2

adjective (1)

wear·​ing ˈwer-iŋ How to pronounce wearing (audio)
: intended for wear
wearing apparel

wearing

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: subjecting to or inflicting wear
especially : causing fatigue
a wearing journey
wearingly adverb

Examples of wearing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The force of Burton’s manic personality was very wearing. Daneet Steffens, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wearing was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near wearing

Cite this Entry

“Wearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wearing. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!