English Reference
Noun

hawking

n. uncountable
C2 Proficiency US /ˈhɔkɪŋ/ UK /hˈɔːkɪŋ/ hawk·ing UK spelling hawkings

n.the activity of selling things in the street by calling out to people. It can also mean the sport of hunting small animals using a trained hawk.

n.the act of offering goods for sale in public places by shouting; alternatively, the practice of hunting with trained birds of prey.


SIMPLE

The street was filled with the loud hawking of fruit sellers.

CONTEXTUAL

Local laws often restrict the hawking of merchandise on busy sidewalks to prevent congestion and noise.

COMPLEX

While modern commerce has moved online, the traditional hawking of wares remains a vibrant part of the city's open-air markets, where vocal skill is as vital as product quality.

Usage

Often used as a gerund to describe the activity or trade itself.

Kenya is beginning a crackdown on foreign nationals operating small retail shops and engaging in hawking, after President William Ruto directed authorities to shut down such businesses from September 7.

Al Jazeera· 7 Sept 2026

You have made vast sums by hawking yourself out to private banks - where you then viciously attack NATO allies.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Frequent
Updated