# waking

/ˈweɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /wˈeɪkɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. during wakefulness

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: pertaining to or occurring during the state of being awake and conscious.

- He spends every waking hour thinking about his new business idea.
- The patient remained in a state of constant anxiety during his waking moments, though he appeared peaceful while sedated.

### 2. becoming awake

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the moment or act of waking up from sleep.

For teachers: the act of emerging from a state of sleep or unconsciousness.

- Her waking was slow and quiet as the sun filled the room.
- The sudden waking caused by the alarm left him feeling disoriented and sluggish for the remainder of the morning.

## Examples

- She spends every waking hour studying for her exams.
- The artist dedicated all his waking moments to finishing the mural before the gallery opening.
- In the modern era of constant connectivity, many people find that digital notifications intrude upon every waking minute, blurring the boundary between professional obligations and personal rest.

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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.