ENGLISH
REFERENCE

warming

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈwɔɹmɪŋ// UK //wˈɔːmɪŋ// warm·ing
  1. 1 increase in temperature (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a rise in temperature, especially when talking about the Earth's climate.

    an increase in temperature, frequently occurring in the compound 'global warming' to describe long-term climate shifts.

    Example

    Scientists are worried about the rapid warming of the oceans.

    Example

    The unprecedented warming of the Arctic permafrost has led to significant concerns regarding the release of trapped methane gases.
  2. 2 becoming warmer (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act of making something warm or becoming warm yourself.

    the present participle or gerund of 'warm', describing the transition to a higher temperature.

    Example

    The sun is finally warming the cold ground after a long winter.

    Example

    By warming the solution gradually, the chemist ensured that the reaction proceeded at a manageable and safe rate.
    • heating up
    • thawing
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  1. 3 giving heat (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that makes you feel warm and comfortable.

    serving to provide or maintain warmth; often used figuratively to describe emotional comfort.

    Example

    She enjoyed a warming bowl of soup on a rainy afternoon.

    Example

    The speaker's warming words of encouragement resonated deeply with the audience during the difficult transition period.
  2. 4 a beating (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal British English Slang

    a physical punishment or hitting.

    a physical beating or thrashing, typically used in a domestic or informal context.

    Example

    The old stories mention a child getting a warming for being naughty.

    Example

    In the gritty Victorian novel, the protagonist narrowly avoids a warming from the schoolmaster after being caught stealing apples.

    Usage

    Usually used with the verb 'give' or 'get'.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is largely dated and mostly found in older British literature; modern speakers would use 'beating' or 'trouncing'.
Etymology 1

From Middle English warmyng, warmynge, from Old English wærming, wirming, equivalent to warm + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English warminge, warmynge, from Old English wærmiġende, wermende, wyrmende, present participle of Old English wyrman, wirman (“to warm”), equivalent to warm + -ing.

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