gerund or present participle
Getting something by paying money for it.
Buying groceries online saves me time.
She is buying a ticket for the show.
American English
How to pronounce buying
verbA1Very common word
BAIihng
/ˈbaɪ.ɪŋ/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of buy
Buying can name an activity or show an action in progress.
Getting something by paying money for it.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
gerund or present participle
Believing or accepting an idea, excuse, or explanation.
I'm not buying his excuse.
Nobody is buying that explanation.
Good to know
Here, buying means believing or accepting something, not paying for it.
Useful expressions
to get more time before you must act or decide
The meeting bought us time.
to accept or believe an idea
She didn't buy into the plan.
a special offer in which you receive a second item at no extra cost
These shirts are buy one, get one free.
Related words & forms
Use bought for past actions and after have; never say buyed.