What does coining mean?
Coinging — more properly spelled "coining" — describes two related acts of creation: the physical striking of coins from metal, and the mental act of inventing a new word or phrase. Both senses derive from the same root idea of producing something fresh and authoritative. In everyday language, "coining" most often appears when tracing the birth of vocabulary, as in "the coining of the term 'robot' dates to 1920." It also survives in the lively informal idiom "coining it," meaning to earn money hand over fist. Whether discussing mints, marketing slogans, or slang, the word signals origination — the moment something new enters circulation, whether as currency or as language.
The action or process of manufacturing coins, especially by striking metal blanks with dies; by extension, the invention of a new word or phrase.
"The coining of the word 'cyberspace' transformed how we talk about digital life."
Often used with "the" before it when referring to a specific act: "the coining of the phrase."
Present participle of "coin": to make (coins) by stamping metal; to invent (a new word or phrase).
"The company has been coining new terminology to describe its services."
Frequently appears in the progressive form to emphasize an ongoing activity.
When people say someone is "coining money," they mean earning it fast — a metaphor borrowed straight from the mint, where striking coins was literally how money was made.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of coining
The English noun "coin" entered Middle English from Old French "coigne" (a die for stamping), ultimately from Latin "cuneus," meaning wedge, referring to the wedge-shaped punch used to strike metal. The verb "to coin," meaning both to mint money and figuratively to invent words, developed in English by the late Middle Ages and early modern period; "coining" is its present participle and gerund. Related forms include "coinage" (the product or system of coined items) and "coiner" (one who coins).
Related word forms
How coining is actually used
In the sense of inventing terms, "coining" is neutral to positive and common in academic and journalistic writing. The informal idiom "coining it" (chiefly British; American English prefers "making a killing") carries a connotation of effortless profit. In numismatics, "coining" specifically means striking planchets with dies.
Easily confused with coining
"Coin" is the noun for the piece of stamped metal itself, while "coining" refers to the process of making such pieces or inventing new terms.
"Coinage" denotes the system of coins in circulation or the invented word/phrase itself, whereas "coining" names the act of producing them.