# practicing

/ˈpɹæktəsɪŋ/ (US) · /pɹˈæktɪsɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/practicing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. training to improve

verb · CEFR A2 · American English

doing an activity many times so you can become better at it.

For teachers: performing an activity or exercise repeatedly or regularly in order to acquire, improve, or maintain proficiency.

- She is practicing her guitar every day before the big concert.
- The athletes spent the entire afternoon practicing their defensive formations under the watchful eye of the head coach.

Usage: In British English, the verb is spelled 'practising' with an 's'.

### 2. active in a profession

adjective · CEFR B2 · American English

actively working in a professional job, especially as a doctor or lawyer.

For teachers: actively engaged in a specific profession, particularly one requiring a license or formal qualification.

- He is a practicing lawyer who helps people with their taxes.
- The hospital only hires practicing physicians who have maintained their board certifications through regular continuing education.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun.

### 3. active in a religion

adjective · CEFR B2 · American English

regularly following the rules and attending the services of a religion.

For teachers: actively participating in the rituals, ceremonies, and lifestyle requirements of a specific faith.

- As a practicing Catholic, she goes to church every Sunday morning.
- The community center provides resources for practicing Muslims, including a dedicated space for daily prayers and dietary-compliant meals.

### 4. the act of doing

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

the act of doing something or carrying out a habit.

For teachers: the action or process of carrying out a particular activity or habit.

- The practicing of medicine requires many years of difficult study.
- The constant practicing of these safety drills ensured that the crew reacted instinctively when the alarm finally sounded.

## Examples

- She is practicing the piano for her concert.
- After finishing law school, he spent several years practicing criminal law at a small firm downtown.
- While the athlete was practicing her serve, she noticed a slight tension in her shoulder that required immediate attention from the team physiotherapist.

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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.