idling 1 of 2

idling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of idle

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of idling
Verb
These include avoiding idling in drive-thru lanes, carpooling, taking public transit or walking, and biking for short trips. Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025 What To Know To help reduce ozone formation, residents are encouraged to avoid idling in drive-thru lanes, and instead consider alternatives like sharing a ride or walking in. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 These systems can help reduce emissions by minimizing idling times and optimizing routes. Hany Naeem, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Russian troops often carve that backs off their assault cars’ cabs in order to facilitate a quick exit, so there was nothing but a possible thin screen to stop an FPV that barreled toward the anti-tank mine resting in the back of one idling Lada. David Axe, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 One crosswalk was blocked by an idling NYPD patrol car, while a cop sat inside mindlessly scrolling his phone. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 Some people with hearing loss may be unable to hear quiet, low-frequency sounds like a car engine idling. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025 Sitting in his idling pickup one afternoon, Sherlock watched as a Canadian Pacific train rumbled by the grain elevator in the small town of Wimbledon. Kirk Siegler, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025 Their boat was found idling in circles, sparking a massive search. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idling
Verb
  • Those include a sitting area off the primary bedroom, a dining table on the narrow part of the deck, a patio outfitted for entertaining, and multiple options for lounging by the pool.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The Modern Family alum could be seen lounging while wearing black bikini bottoms and holding a product from her Toty suncare brand.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Microwave this chocolate mixture for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave for 15-second intervals until mixture is fully melted and smooth, stirring between each.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In the ensuing interval, Established & Sons struggled to regain its footing.
    Ian Volner, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • During the winter months, your lawn is either growing slowly or resting in dormancy, depending on the climate in your region.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2025
  • But the infection typically does improve with resting, drinking fluids and over-the-counter medication.
    Christina Shaw, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • When Sanders was playing, all the attention was on his flash — his spectacular flash.
    Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Further factions emerge from there, as people start playing the game within the Squid Game, forming pockets of friendships and alliances, real and fake.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • And to add to the messy situation, conflicting media reports suggest the company either is or is not relaxing its hardware hurdle for taking.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • In , the small cat curiously edged toward the new canine friend, who was relaxing on the couch, gently patting him with her paw and sniffing.
    Alice Gibbs, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • On Wednesday, March 19, the couple filmed an Instagram Reel poking fun at their recent red carpet interview with Extra at the grand re-opening of Planet Hollywood in NYC on Tuesday, March 11.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Roots Growing Out Drainage Holes Roots poking out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot is a sure sign your plant needs a bigger pot.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idling. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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