adjective

walking

WAW-kihng

adjective

Moving on foot, especially at an ordinary, unhurried pace, as opposed to running.

"We kept a steady walking pace along the coastal path."

"The doctor recommended a brisk walking routine for his heart."

Able to move around and function despite illness or injury; still on one's feet.

"He came into work with a walking case of the flu."

Used before a noun to mean someone or something is a living embodiment of a quality — an over-the-top personification.

"With all his historical trivia, Dave is basically a walking encyclopedia."

"She's a walking advertisement for the gym she owns."

noun

A bass line, common in jazz, blues, and early rock and roll, that moves steadily note by note like footsteps, usually one note per beat.

"The bassist switched to a walking pattern under the piano solo."

How to Use Walking

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMoving on foot at a normal pace — or, as an intensifier, embodying some trait so strongly you could be a living example of it.

Memory tip

"A walking dictionary" or "a walking disaster" is a common pattern: walking + noun means "the human version of."

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

walking distance walking pace walking stick walking bass line

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We kept a steady _____ pace along the coastal path.

From Middle English walkynge, the -ing form of walk, which goes back to an Old English verb meaning "to roll" or "to travel about".

talking stalking jaywalking sleepwalking