Folding
'foʊldɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo bend or curve something, typically paper, cloth, or another flexible material, so that one part lies on another.
'foʊldɪŋ
To bend something over on itself so that one part covers another.
She was folding the laundry.
💡 Simply: It's like making a sandwich: you're taking something flat and bending it over to cover itself, like a blanket over a bed.
👶 For kids: Making a piece of paper into a smaller shape by bending it.
More Examples
Can you fold this map for me?
The origami artist skillfully folded the paper into a crane.
How It's Used
"Folding a shirt after washing."
"Folding a piece of paper to make an origami crane."
The act or process of folding something, the way in which something is folded.
'foʊldɪŋ
The act or process of bending something over on itself.
The machine perfected the precise folding of the fabric.
💡 Simply: It's the specific way you bend something in half or over itself.
👶 For kids: The way you bend something.
More Examples
The manual provided instructions for the correct folding technique.
The origami artist used a specific folding pattern to create the figure.
How It's Used
"The folding of the cardboard box was done automatically."
"Origami relies on intricate paper folding techniques."
Capable of being folded or collapsed.
'foʊldɪŋ
We brought a folding table for the picnic.
💡 Simply: Something that can be easily bent in half or made smaller for storage, like a folding chair or a map.
👶 For kids: Something that you can bend to make it smaller.
More Examples
The company sells folding bikes.
The shop displayed many folding screens.
How It's Used
"The store had a wide selection of folding chairs and tables."
"The folding garment bag was perfect for traveling."
Idioms & expressions
fold one's arms
To cross one's arms across the chest, often expressing disapproval, defiance, or contemplation.
"She folded her arms and stared at him, clearly unimpressed."
fold under pressure
To give in or fail when under stress or pressure.
"The team folded under pressure in the final minutes of the game."
fold into something
To gradually combine one thing into another, usually a food mixture
"Fold the flour into the batter gently."
From Middle English *folden*, from Old English *faldan* ('to fold'), from Proto-Germanic *faltaną*. Related to Dutch *vouwen* and German *falten*.
The word 'folding' has been used in its current form since the Middle Ages, reflecting the consistent human need to bend materials for practical or aesthetic purposes.
Memory tip
Imagine someone creating an origami swan; they are folding the paper meticulously.
Word Origin
"to bend, roll up"