English edit

Etymology edit

shrink +‎ -ing.

Pronunciation edit

Verb edit

shrinking

  1. present participle and gerund of shrink

Adjective edit

shrinking (comparative more shrinking, superlative most shrinking)

  1. Shy and retiring.

Antonyms edit

Derived terms edit

Noun edit

shrinking (plural shrinkings)

  1. The act of one who, or that which, shrinks; act of becoming smaller or moving timidly away.
    • 1822, The New Monthly Magazine and Literary Journal, volume 6, page 10:
      [] the silent grief beyond the power of words—the generous consolations of the noble sister—the shrinkings of the poor criminal, and his relapsings into a gentler penitence []
    • 1897, Richard Marsh, The Beetle:
      The notion of a gently-nurtured girl being at the mercy of that fiend incarnate [] was one which caused me tangible shrinkings of the body.