# minding

/ˈmaɪndɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈaɪndɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/minding
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

taking care of someone or something for a short time. You use this when you are watching a child, a pet, or a shop while the owner is away.

For teachers: taking temporary charge or care of a person, animal, or place. Often implies a protective or supervisory role during the absence of the primary owner or guardian.

## Examples

- She is minding her neighbor's cat for the weekend.
- While the shopkeeper went to lunch, his daughter stayed behind, minding the counter and helping customers.
- Minding a toddler requires constant vigilance, as their curiosity often leads them toward potential hazards the moment your attention wavers.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am minding about the baby" but "I am minding the baby" — When 'mind' means to look after someone, it is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'about'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the person or thing being cared for.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.