Manning
'mænɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo provide with people or a crew, especially for a task or duty.
'mænɪŋ
To supply or equip with men or a crew.
The ship was manned by a skilled crew.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're running a lemonade stand. Manning is like having people ready to take orders and make lemonade for customers.
👶 For kids: To put people in a place to do a job, like having workers on a ship.
More Examples
They are manning the phones to answer customer inquiries.
The soldiers were ordered to man the barricades.
How It's Used
"The captain ordered the crew to man the battle stations."
"The general needed more soldiers to man the fort."
"They are manning the information desk at the convention."
To operate or control a machine or device, especially a complex one.
'mænɪŋ
To operate a machine or device.
He was trained to man the radar station.
💡 Simply: If you were driving a car, you'd be manning the steering wheel and the pedals.
👶 For kids: To work a machine or a tool.
More Examples
The technicians are manning the advanced equipment.
The pilot was preparing to man the aircraft.
How It's Used
"The engineer was trained to man the control panel."
From the Old English word 'mannian', meaning 'to furnish with men', derived from 'mann' (man).
Historically, 'manning' was often used in maritime contexts, referring to the staffing of ships.
Memory tip
Think of MAN-ning the ship - you need MAN to staff it.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: mann