Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act or activity of traveling on foot at a moderate pace: "walking" refers to the action of moving by foot, typically for exercise, leisure, or transportation.
   • The state or condition of being able to walk or of using walking as a means of locomotion.

2. Adjective:

   • Of, for, or relating to the act of walking: Used to describe things associated with or suitable for walking.
   • Capable of or used for walking: Describes a person, animal, or path that can walk or is intended for walkers.
   • Resembling or suggestive of walking in appearance or function (e.g., a mechanical part).
   • Close enough to be reached by walking: Describing a short distance that can be covered on foot.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:

  • Regular walking is excellent for cardiovascular health.
  • Her favorite form of meditation is mindful walking in the park.

• Adjective:

  • We followed the walking path along the river.
  • The hotel is within walking distance of the train station. (Here, "walking" modifies "distance" to mean a distance that can be walked.)
  • He is a walking encyclopedia of baseball trivia. (Figurative use, meaning he possesses vast knowledge as if he were a human encyclopedia.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Walking" as a Gerund: Often functions as a verbal noun (gerund), derived from the verb "to walk."
  • Walking the dog is my morning routine. (Here, "walking" is the subject of the sentence.)
• In Compound Adjectives: Frequently combines with nouns to form descriptive compound adjectives.
  • a walking tour (a tour conducted on foot)
  • a walking stick (a stick used as an aid while walking)
• Figurative Use: Used to describe a person who embodies a certain quality.
  • After the scandal, he was a walking disgrace.

Variants and Related Words

• Walk (verb/noun): The base form.
• Walker (noun): A person who walks, or a frame used to assist walking.
• Walkable (adjective): Describing an area suitable or pleasant for walking.

Synonyms

• Noun: Ambulation, hiking, strolling, perambulation.
• Adjective: Ambulatory, peripatetic.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Walking on air: Feeling extremely happy or elated.
  • She was walking on air after receiving the promotion.
• Walking a tightrope: Being in a situation where one must be very careful to avoid problems.
  • The negotiator was walking a tightrope between the two opposing sides.
• Walking papers: Dismissal from a job or relationship.
  • After the mistake, he was given his walking papers.
• Walk the walk: To back up one's words with actions. (Note: This idiom uses the verb "walk," not the noun/adjective "walking," but is conceptually related.)
  • It's not enough to talk about change; you have to walk the walk.

Adjective

1. close enough to be walked to
   • walking distance
   • the factory with the big parking lot...is more convenient than the walk-to factory

Noun

1. the act of traveling by foot
   • walking is a healthy form of exercise