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kidding

v. · n.
US //ˈkɪdɪŋ// UK //kˈɪdɪŋ// kid·ding
  1. 1 joking (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    to say something as a joke or to pretend something is true when it is not.

    to engage in playful or deceptive jesting. Often used in the continuous form to indicate that a previous statement was not serious.

    Example

    I thought he was angry, but he was just kidding about the broken vase.

    Example

    When the manager suggested we all work through the weekend, I genuinely couldn't tell if he was kidding or if he expected us to comply.
    Pitfall
    Are you kidding with me?
    Are you kidding me?

    The verb 'kid' is transitive here; do not use 'with' when addressing the person you are joking with.

  2. 2 a goat giving birth (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the act of a goat giving birth to its young.

    the process of parturition in goats.

    Example

    The farmer stayed in the barn all night to watch the kidding.

    Example

    Successful kidding requires a clean, dry environment to ensure the health of both the doe and the newborn kids.

    Usage

    Used as an uncountable noun or a gerund in agricultural contexts.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a highly specialised term used by farmers and vets; most learners will only ever encounter the 'joking' sense.
Idioms1 entry

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