Passing Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

Passing Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary mobile search Home Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary × Britannica Homepage Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary passing 4 ENTRIES FOUND: passing (noun) passing (adjective) passing lane (noun) pass (verb) 1 passing /ˈpæsɪŋ/ Brit /ˈpɑːsɪŋ/ noun 1 passing /ˈpæsɪŋ/ Brit /ˈpɑːsɪŋ/ noun Britannica Dictionary definition of PASSING [noncount] 1  : the act of moving toward and beyond something — usually + of I could hear the passing of a distant train. [=I could hear a distant train passing] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  — used to talk about the movement of time — usually + of They celebrate the passing of each season. She grew stronger with the passing of each year. We lament the passing of an era. Only the passing of time will help her deal with this tragedy. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 3  formal : a person's death After her husband's passing, she moved to a smaller house. We all mourned his passing. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 4  : the act of officially approving a bill, law, etc. the passing [=passage] of the bill through Congress [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples in passing : in a brief way while discussing something else She mentioned in passing that she was studying law. The report notes the incident only in passing. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 passing /ˈpæsɪŋ/ Brit /ˈpɑːsɪŋ/ adjective 2 passing /ˈpæsɪŋ/ Brit /ˈpɑːsɪŋ/ adjective Britannica Dictionary definition of PASSING always used before a noun 1  : moving past someone or something Someone called out from a passing car. She sells flowers to passing motorists. a passing ship/airplane/train [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  — used to talk about time that is going past I love you more with each passing day. with every passing year [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 3  : lasting for only a short time Let's hope that these shoes are just a passing fad. a passing phase in childhood [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 4  : done or made quickly He made a few passing [=cursory] remarks about his work at the hospital. We gave the restaurant a passing [=quick] glance before moving on. She never gave the matter more than a passing thought. Her assistants get only a passing mention at the end of the article. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 5  : not very strong or thorough : slight She has only a passing acquaintance with the subject. I admit that I have only a passing interest in sports. You can see a passing resemblance between him and his father. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 6  : showing that you completed a test or class in an acceptable way She completed the class with a passing grade/mark of 65 percent. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 7  sports : relating to the skill of throwing, hitting, or kicking a ball or puck to a teammate shooting and passing skills The football team needs to improve its passing game. [=its ability to pass the ball] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ASK THE EDITOR What does the phrase "for the rest of the day" mean? See the answer » QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY rustic : made of rough wood Learn More » About Us & Legal Info Contact Us Privacy Notice Terms of Use Pronunciation Symbols Help d="M0 12c0 5.123 3.211 9.497 7.73 11.218-.11-.937-.227-2.482.025-3.566.217-.932 1.401-5.938 1.401-5.938s-.357-.715-.357-1.774c0-1.66.962-2.9 2.161-2.9 1.02 0 1.512.765 1.512 1.682 0 1.025-.653 2.557-.99 3.978-.281 1.189.597 2.159 1.769 2.159 2.123 0 3.756-2.239 3.756-5.471 0-2.861-2.056-4.86-4.991-4.86-3.398 0-5.393 2.549-5.393 5.184 0 1.027.395 2.127.889 2.726a.36.36 0 0 1 .083.343c-.091.378-.293 1.189-.332 1.355-.053.218-.173.265-.4.159-1.492-.694-2.424-2.875-2.424-4.627 0-3.769 2.737-7.229 7.892-7.229 4.144 0 7.365 2.953 7.365 6.899 0 4.117-2.595 7.431-6.199 7.431-1.211 0-2.348-.63-2.738-1.373 0 0-.599 2.282-.744 2.84-.282 1.084-1.064 2.456-1.549 3.235C9.584 23.815 10.77 24 12 24c6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0 0 5.373 0 12"> © 2026 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.