English Reference
adjective · noun

dying

adj. · n.
US /ˈdaɪɪŋ/ UK /dˈaɪɪŋ/ dy·ing UK spelling dyings

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.coming to an end or losing power and importance.

    adj.declining, terminal, or drawing to a close; often used figuratively for traditions or industries.

    Simple

    The village is trying to save the dying art of handmade lace.

    In context

    The dying embers of the fire provided just enough light to navigate the cabin without waking the others.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'a dying breed' to describe something becoming rare.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the time or process of losing life.

    n.the process of approaching death or the state of being near death.

    Simple

    She spent her career studying the psychology of death and dying.

    In context

    The documentary explores how different cultures approach the act of dying with various rituals and beliefs.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun in philosophical or medical contexts.


Etymology 1

From die + -ing.

Etymology 2

From dye + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated