English · Word Candidate

mating

/ˈmeɪtɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: matings

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Fitting into or onto a corresponding part, as a matched plug and socket.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Pairing of organisms for copulation.

Noun

Examples

The progeny of backcrosses and intercrosses will form some incrosses and some matings of other types.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Sexual union; copulation.

Noun

Examples

Earless ghost swift moths become “invisible” to echolocating bats by forming mating clusters close (less than half a meter) above vegetation and effectively blending into the clutter of echoes that the bat receives from the leaves and stems around them.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “mating” mean?

Fitting into or onto a corresponding part, as a matched plug and socket.

Is “mating” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.