Charging

/ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪŋ/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To ask for or demand payment for something.

/ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To demand (a price or fee)

The restaurant charged us too much.

💡 Simply: Charging is like asking for money for something. For example, a store charges you money for the things you buy.

👶 For kids: Asking for money for something.

More Examples

2

They are charging a high fee for the service.

How It's Used

Business

"The hotel is charging $200 a night."

Retail

"They're charging extra for delivery."

2

To supply with electrical power.

/ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To fill with energy

Please charge your laptop before you leave.

💡 Simply: Charging is like giving something power. Like when you plug your phone in to fill its battery.

👶 For kids: Giving something power.

More Examples

2

The phone is charging slowly.

How It's Used

Technology

"I'm charging my phone."

Tip:Think of charging a battery – filling it with power.
3

To make a swift and forceful attack.

/ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪŋ/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To attack or rush

The bull charged at the matador.

💡 Simply: Charging means running towards something or someone quickly and aggressively, like a brave soldier rushing into battle.

👶 For kids: Running really fast at something.

More Examples

2

The cavalry charged across the field.

How It's Used

Military

"The soldiers were charging the enemy lines."

Tip:Imagine a bull charging – a powerful, rapid attack.

Idioms & expressions

in charge

Responsible for something or someone.

"She's in charge of the project."

From Middle English *chargen, from Old French charger "to load, burden; to attack; to accuse", from Vulgar Latin *carricare, from Latin carrus "car, wagon".

The word 'charging' has long been associated with military and financial contexts, its meanings evolving from the physical act of loading a weapon or vehicle to the modern-day financial implications.

Memory tip

Think of charging your phone – you need to pay energy to power it.

chargincharrging

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written