English Reference
adjective · noun

waking

adj. · n.
US /ˈweɪkɪŋ/ UK /wˈeɪkɪŋ/ wak·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.used to describe time when you are awake and not sleeping.

    adj.pertaining to or occurring during the state of being awake and conscious.

    Simple

    He spends every waking hour thinking about his new business idea.

    In context

    The patient remained in a state of constant anxiety during his waking moments, though he appeared peaceful while sedated.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.the moment or act of waking up from sleep.

    n.the act of emerging from a state of sleep or unconsciousness.

    Simple

    Her waking was slow and quiet as the sun filled the room.

    In context

    The sudden waking caused by the alarm left him feeling disoriented and sluggish for the remainder of the morning.

    falling asleep
Don't confuse

waking vs awake — Awake describes a state of consciousness, while waking describes the transition out of sleep or the time spent conscious.

Unfortunately, Stella can’t yet cope with sleeping through the night at someone else’s place, and every time they try she must be collected by her parents after waking up frightened in the night.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

He claims the small scar on her face predated their marriage, and that he never heard her complain of waking up in a pool of blood.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated