# taking

/ˈteɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈeɪkɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/taking
Updated: 2026-06-15

## Senses

### 1. money earned

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

the amount of money a shop or business receives during a certain time.

For teachers: the amount of money received by a business, such as a shop or theatre, over a specific period. Usually used in the plural form 'takings'.

- The shop's daily takings were much higher than usual during the summer sale.
- Despite the rainy weather, the weekend takings at the box office exceeded the studio's initial projections.

Usage: Usually plural in this sense.

### 2. the act of getting

noun · CEFR B1

the act of grabbing, receiving, or capturing something.

For teachers: the act or process of acquiring, seizing, or accepting something.

- The taking of the city happened quickly after the army arrived.
- The illegal taking of private property for public use remains a highly controversial legal issue in this jurisdiction.

### 3. attractive

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

having a quality that makes people like you or find you attractive.

For teachers: possessing an attractive or charming quality that wins favor or interest.

- She had a very taking smile that made everyone feel welcome.
- The young diplomat possessed a taking manner that allowed him to navigate difficult social circles with ease.

---

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.