What does taking mean?
“Taking” is most often encountered as the present participle or gerund of “take.” It shows that an action involving selection, reception, capture, or removal is in progress, as in “taking a photograph” or “taking part.” In noun uses, it can denote an act of taking or, when plural, the money earned by a business or activity; “the day’s takings” is a familiar expression in British and other varieties of English. Less common today is the older adjectival sense meaning attractive or appealing, found in phrases such as “a taking smile.” Because “taking” can describe both an unfinished action and a completed or habitual activity, its exact grammatical force depends on the sentence. Its meanings range from the straightforward to the metaphorical, making it a useful example of how a single English form can develop several related functions without losing its connection to the central idea of taking.
The present participle and gerund of “take,” indicating an action in progress or a completed action viewed in relation to another action.
"The police are taking statements from witnesses."
In continuous constructions, the form usually indicates simultaneous activity, although the precise aspect depends on the surrounding verb.
An act or process of taking; a manner of taking; or the money received from a business or other activity.
"The company reported improved takings from online sales."
The plural “takings” commonly denotes proceeds or revenue, particularly in British English.
Attractive, appealing, or engaging.
"She gave him a warm, taking smile."
This sense is dated and literary, and is more often encountered in older writing than in contemporary speech.
Used mainly for the proceeds or revenue earned by a business, event, or activity; especially common in British English.
"The festival generated substantial takings for the local charity."
One word can be an action, a source of income, and even a description of someone’s charm: “taking” does all three.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of taking
“Taking” is the present participle and gerund of “take,” whose history begins with Old English “tacan” or “niman.” The word is related to an ancient Germanic root expressing the action of grasping or seizing. Over time, “take” broadened beyond physical seizure to include receiving, accepting, choosing, capturing, or assuming. The derived form “taking” consequently developed usages reflecting these extended meanings.
Related word forms
How taking is actually used
The verb form is most common in continuous constructions and gerund phrases. As an adjective meaning “appealing,” it is now dated but remains intelligible, especially in phrases such as “a taking person” or “a taking idea.” The plural “takings” usually means business income and is more common in British English.
Easily confused with taking
“Taking” refers to the act of taking or receiving something, whereas “talking” refers to speaking or conversing.