grinding

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the act of crushing something into small pieces or the harsh sound of two hard things rubbing together.

n. the mechanical process of reducing a substance to particles or the abrasive sound produced by friction between surfaces.

“The grinding of the coffee beans woke everyone up in the house.”

“The sudden grinding of metal against metal suggested that the car's brake pads had completely worn down.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Informal

n. doing the same boring task over and over again to reach a goal, especially in a job or a video game.

n. the performance of repetitive, often tedious tasks to achieve incremental progress, particularly in professional or gaming contexts.

“I spent the whole weekend grinding in the game to reach level fifty.”

“After months of corporate grinding, he decided to quit his desk job and pursue a career in the arts.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Informal · Slang

n. a style of dancing where two people rub their bodies closely together.

n. a form of close, sexually suggestive dancing involving rhythmic pelvic friction between partners.

“The club was crowded with people grinding to the loud music.”

“The security guards intervened when the grinding on the dance floor became too aggressive for the venue's policy.”