reaching

REE-ching/ˈɹiːt͡ʃɪŋ/

3 meanings of reaching

1
verb
Present participle and gerund of reach. Use this form for an action happening now or as the name of the action.
She was reaching for the top shelf when the cup fell.
Reaching across the table, he grabbed the salt.
Note
2
noununcountable
The act of stretching out your arm to try to grab something.
All that reaching for the top shelf made her shoulder sore.
The doctor watched the baby's reaching and grabbing during the visit.
Similarstretching
Note
3
noununcountable
Sailing with the wind coming from the side of the boat rather than the front.
Like riding a bike with the wind blowing against your side instead of your face.
A smooth reaching brought the small yacht steadily toward the harbor.
They preferred reaching to fighting their way straight into the wind.
Note

reaching is a form of reach

reach, verb: To get to a place you were going to. Some speakers also just say 'when we reached' to mean 'when we arrived'. Full entry

Forms: reachreaches he/she/itreaching -ing formreached past tense, past participle
Spelling: reach → reaching: add -ing

Practice

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Origins

Meaning 1

This comes from an Old English word meaning "reaching." It is made from "reach" plus "-ing."

Meanings 2–3

This comes from an Old English word meaning "reaching, extending." It is made from "reach" plus "-ing."