buying
UK: ˈbaɪ.ɪŋ | US: ˈbaɪ.ɪŋ
n. the act of purchasing goods or services
v. (present participle of buy) purchasing or obtaining something in exchange for payment
The word "buying" derives from the Old English bycgan (to buy), which evolved into Middle English bien or buyen. The modern form "buy" retained the core meaning of acquiring through payment, while the suffix "-ing" marks it as a present participle or gerund, indicating the ongoing action or state of purchasing. The morpheme "buy" has Germanic roots, linked to Old Norse byggja (to dwell, implying a trade settlement). Over time, the term narrowed to focus specifically on commercial exchange.
She enjoys buying fresh produce at the local market.
Buying a house requires careful financial planning.
The company is buying new equipment to improve efficiency.
His habit of impulsive buying often leads to clutter.
They regretted buying the car without inspecting it first.