# warming

/ˈwɔɹmɪŋ/ (US) · /wˈɔːmɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/warming
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. increase in temperature

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- Scientists are worried about the rapid warming of the oceans.
- The unprecedented warming of the Arctic permafrost has led to significant concerns regarding the release of trapped methane gases.

### 2. becoming warmer

verb · CEFR B1

the act of making something warm or becoming warm yourself.

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

- The sun is finally warming the cold ground after a long winter.
- By warming the solution gradually, the chemist ensured that the reaction proceeded at a manageable and safe rate.

### 3. giving heat

adjective · CEFR B2

something that makes you feel warm and comfortable.

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

- She enjoyed a warming bowl of soup on a rainy afternoon.
- The speaker's warming words of encouragement resonated deeply with the audience during the difficult transition period.

### 4. a beating

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · British English · Slang

a physical punishment or hitting.

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

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

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

## Examples

- Global warming is a major concern for scientists today.
- The rapid warming of the Arctic is causing sea levels to rise and threatening local wildlife.
- Climate models suggest that even a slight warming of the deep ocean could destabilize methane hydrates, potentially triggering a feedback loop of further atmospheric heating.

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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.