Standard Lemma guide

makings

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • CMU ARPABET: M EY1 K IH0 NG Z Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

noun

Meaning 1

plural of making

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: form-of, plural

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

That which is needed for something: necessary ingredients.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: plural, plural-only

Examples

  • I have bread, mayonnaise, mustard, turkey, and lettuce: all the makings of a sandwich as far as I'm concerned.
  • The project has the makings of success: a strong leader, a committed workforce, and a workable plan.
  • He has the makings of a fine leader, and we, the nominating committee, are pleased to present him to the membership as our candidate.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: ingredience — Translations
  • Czech: předpoklady — Translations