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REFERENCE

routing

n. · v.
US //ˈɹaʊtɪŋ// rout·ing
  1. 1 path selection (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of choosing which way a person, vehicle, or package should go.

    the systematic determination of a course or path for traffic, transport, or personnel.

    Example

    The company improved its delivery times by using better routing for its trucks.

    Example

    Efficient routing of the delivery fleet reduced fuel consumption by nearly fifteen percent over the last fiscal quarter.

    Usage

    Often used in logistics and transport contexts.
  2. 2 internet data (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the way computers send information to each other across a network like the internet.

    the process of selecting paths in a network along which to send network traffic.

    Example

    A problem with the internet routing caused the website to load very slowly.

    Example

    The network administrator reconfigured the dynamic routing protocols to ensure that data packets would bypass the damaged server node.

    Usage

    Uncountable when referring to the general technology; countable when referring to specific protocols.
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  1. 3 woodworking (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    a groove or channel cut into a piece of wood or metal using a special tool.

    the act of cutting or carving a groove or decorative edge into a material using a router.

    Example

    The carpenter finished the routing on the cabinet doors to give them a decorative edge.

    Example

    Precise routing is essential when creating the inlay channels for high-end musical instruments.
  2. 4 sending along a path (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    sending someone or something along a specific path or direction.

    the present participle of 'route'; the act of directing along a particular course.

    Example

    They are routing all the phone calls to the main office today.

    Example

    By routing the heavy traffic through the new bypass, the city council hopes to reduce congestion in the historic town centre.
  3. 5 defeating completely (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    defeating an enemy or opponent so badly that they run away in confusion.

    the present participle of 'rout'; the act of defeating an opponent decisively, resulting in a disorderly retreat.

    Example

    The home team is routing the visitors with a score of five to zero.

    Example

    The revolutionary forces were successful in routing the government troops, who fled the capital in total disarray.

    Teacher's tip

    Note the spelling: 'routing' can come from 'route' (a path) or 'rout' (a defeat). Context is key.
Etymology 1

From route + -ing.

Etymology 2

From rout + -ing.

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