English Reference
noun · adjective

founding

n. · adj.
US /ˈfaʊndɪŋ/ UK /fˈaʊndɪŋ/ found·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the act of starting a new organization, company, or city.

    n.the act of establishing or initiating an institution, organization, or settlement.

    Simple

    The city celebrated the 200th anniversary of its founding last summer.

    In context

    The founding of the university was made possible by a generous endowment from a local philanthropist who valued public education.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing a person or thing that starts an organization.

    adj.denoting a person or entity that establishes or originates something; often used in compound titles.

    Simple

    He was a founding member of the local hiking club.

    In context

    The founding principles of the constitution were debated extensively by the delegates during the summer of 1787.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.the process of melting metal and pouring it into a mold.

    n.the industrial process of melting and casting metal; also refers to the work done in a foundry.

    Simple

    The factory specialized in the founding of large iron engine parts.

    In context

    Advances in precision founding allowed for the creation of complex aerospace components that were previously impossible to manufacture.

Usage founding partner

She had supported Ukraine's war effort against Russia's full-scale invasion, founding relief charity Hoplon International in 2022 to supply the country with medical kits and body armour.

BBC News· 17 Aug 2026

The Ohio State University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation US.

The Conversation· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated