doings: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, sometimes colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “doings” mean?
Activities, actions, or events (often informal or unspecified).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Activities, actions, or events (often informal or unspecified).
1) One's activities or business. 2) Informal events or happenings. 3) (UK, informal) A festive social event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and versatile in British English, where it can mean 'social event/function'. In American English, it is less frequent and primarily means 'activities' or 'affairs'.
Connotations
UK: Can be neutral ('village doings') or slightly old-fashioned/charming. US: Often vague, sometimes implying mysterious or disapproved activities.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in UK informal speech; low-to-moderate in US, primarily in fixed phrases like 'strange doings'.
Grammar
How to Use “doings” in a Sentence
[possessive] + doings (e.g., 'her daily doings')[adjective] + doings (e.g., 'questionable doings')the doings of + [noun phrase] (e.g., 'the doings of the committee')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in informal contexts: 'Keep me updated on the doings in the London office.'
Academic
Very rare, except in historical or sociological texts referring to 'the doings of a society'.
Everyday
Common in informal UK speech: 'There's a big doings at the community hall tonight.' In US: 'I heard about the strange doings next door.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doings”
- Using 'doings' as a singular noun (incorrect: 'a doing').
- Overusing in formal writing.
- Confusing with the present participle 'doing'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal and colloquial.
No, it is almost always used as a plural noun ('his doings', 'strange doings').
In UK English, it can specifically mean a social event or function (e.g., 'a village doings'), while in US English, this usage is very rare.
Yes, etymologically it is the noun derived from the verb 'do', meaning 'things that are done'.
Activities, actions, or events (often informal or unspecified).
Doings: in British English it is pronounced /ˈduːɪŋz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈduɪŋz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No funny doings! (meaning: no mischievous or improper behaviour)”
- “Explain your doings.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"DOINGS" sounds like "DO-INGS" – the 'ings' (things) you DO.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACTIONS ARE OBJECTS/POSSESSIONS (e.g., 'his doings', 'my doings').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'doings' MOST likely used in British English?