courting

[ kawr-ting ]
See synonyms for courting on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the act or process of trying to win the favor or attention of a person or group:He seems to understand the importance of social issues for youth, judging by his recent courting of young people to bring them into Russian politics.

  2. the act of seeking or cultivating someone’s love or affection; wooing:Soon after landing the job, he stepped up his courting of the beautiful Dorothy, who was also being pursued by someone else.

  1. (of animals) the act or process of attempting to attract a mate by engaging in certain species-specific behaviors:The chilly air blowing through the cracks in the wall, and the audible courting of peeper frogs, made it hard to doze off.

  2. the act of behaving in such a manner as to cause or lead to a specified result:In a particularly nerve-wracking courting of disaster, he climbed the mountain alone in winter using a completely untried route.

adjective
  1. seeking or cultivating the love or affection of another person or of each other:Covered bridges were known as "kissing bridges," as courting couples were prone to stop and steal a kiss while hidden from view inside.

  2. (of animals) attempting to attract a mate:Courting petrels make a henlike clucking and thrust their heads back as far as they can.

Origin of courting

1
First recorded in 1575–85; court + -ing1 for the noun senses; court + -ing2 for the adjective senses

Other words from courting

  • un·court·ing, adjective

Words Nearby courting

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use courting in a sentence

  • It came, therefore, to the Consul's ears that Jacob Worse was courting, and it both displeased and made him anxious.

    Skipper Worse | Alexander Lange Kielland
  • As a preliminary to his courting trip, Bill took a drink from a bottle that he kept handy in his corner.

    Mystery Ranch | Arthur Chapman
  • Coronado, although he had spent great part of his life in courting women, was a bachelor.

    Overland | John William De Forest
  • The more he suspected that Coronado was courting Clara, the more resolutely and grimly he said to himself, "Stand back!"

    Overland | John William De Forest
  • There have been seasons when the uncertainty shrouding the abyss beyond alone prevented my courting its embrace.

    Alone | Marion Harland