killing

Pluralkillings

1. 1
   verb

   Present participle of kill. Use this -ing form when the action is happening now or named as a thing.

   The cold was killing the flowers in the garden.

   Killing the weeds takes most of the morning.

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A single event in which a person is killed.

   The killing happened late at night on a quiet street.

   Police are still investigating the killing of the shopkeeper.

   Similarmurder, slaying, homicide

   Note
3. 3
   noununcountable

   The act of causing a person or animal to die.

   The killing of endangered species is a serious crime.

   Many religions forbid the killing of any living creature.

   Similarslaughter, slaying

4. 4
   adjective

   Strong enough to cause death.

   A killing frost destroyed the entire crop overnight.

   The desert heat can be a killing force for unprepared travelers.

   Similardeadly, lethal, fatal, mortal

5. 5
   nouncolloquialusually singular

   A very large amount of money, often earned quickly.

   Like suddenly getting a big pile of money all at once.

   He made a killing selling cold drinks during the heat wave.

   Investors who bought the shares early made a killing.

   Similarfortune, bundle, packet, mint

   Note
6. 6
   adjectivecolloquialidiomatic

   So funny that you can't stop laughing.

   His impression of the teacher was absolutely killing.

   She told a killing story about her camping trip.

   Similarhilarious, hysterical, side-splitting, uproarious

   Note

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