planning

1 of 2

noun

plan·​ning ˈpla-niŋ How to pronounce planning (audio)
Synonyms of planningnext
: the act or process of making or carrying out plans
specifically : the establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit
city planning
business planning

planning

2 of 2

present participle of plan entry 2

Examples of planning in a Sentence

Noun Careful planning made the party a success.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
That distinction should be central to national energy planning. — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026 Tarleton is spending like a school planning for the next level. — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Different states offer various levels of asset protection, dynasty trust planning, governing law, trust administration and state income tax benefits, lawyers said. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026 Brian Duker was hired as defensive coordinator and will assist Glenn with game planning and day-to-day operations. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for planning

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of planning was in 1730

Phrases Containing planning

Rhymes for planning

See All Rhymes for planning

Browse Nearby Words

planner
planning
planning board
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Planning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planning. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on planning

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for planning

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about planning

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