Bidding

/ˈbɪdɪŋ/

nounBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The process of making offers, typically in an auction or a competitive tender process.

/ˈbɪdɪŋ/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The act of offering a price.

The bidding ended when the gavel fell.

💡 Simply: Offering a price, often in competition.

More Examples

2

The final bidding price was much higher than expected.

How It's Used

Auctions

"The bidding was fierce for the antique vase."

Contract Negotiations

"The company is currently reviewing the project bidding."

2

An order or command; something commanded or requested.

/ˈbɪdɪŋ/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

An invitation or command.

He did everything at her bidding.

💡 Simply: An order or request.

More Examples

2

The soldiers obeyed the commander's bidding.

How It's Used

Formal Language

"At his bidding, they set off towards the mountain."

Tip:Imagine a king giving a command, 'At my bidding!'

Idioms & expressions

do one's bidding

To obey someone's commands or wishes.

"The loyal servant did his master's bidding without question."

From Old English *biddan, meaning "to pray, ask, offer". The modern meaning developed from the practice of making offers in auctions or tenders.

Historically, 'bidding' often appeared in contexts of prayer or supplication, reflecting its Old English roots.

Memory tip

Think of someone 'bidding' their heart out to win an auction.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to pray, ask, offer"

Base: bid
bidding warcompetitive biddingsuccessful bidding

Common misspellings

biddinggbidinbiding

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written