marking
marking — noun
1. the colours, spots, or lines that grow naturally on the skin, fur, or feathers o
the colours, spots, or lines that grow naturally on the skin, fur, or feathers of an animal and help to identify the species or the individual creature.
The leopard's dark spots form a natural marking that helps it hide in the grass.
natural marking pattern on animal fur or skin
Each tiger has a unique stripe pattern in its fur marking, like a human fingerprint.
Constanza drew the bird's markings carefully, noting the yellow band above each eye.
The markings on a whale's tail help scientists identify individual animals in the ocean.
Gabriel photographed the zebra's black-and-white markings for his wildlife biology class.
文法句型
marking + on + noun phrase
marking of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the plural form 'markings' when describing animal patterns — a single patch of colour is called a 'mark' or 'spot', not a 'marking'.
常見錯誤
2. a line, symbol, or coloured area placed on a surface such as a road, product, or
a line, symbol, or coloured area placed on a surface such as a road, product, or piece of equipment in order to give directions, show ownership, or provide information.
White road markings tell drivers when it is safe to overtake another car.
road marking / lane marking system
Mert checked the marking on the back of the device to find the model number.
marking + on + surface for location
The yellow markings on the stairs warn people to watch their step in the factory.
Hugo followed the blue markings along the hiking trail to reach the mountain top.
Runway markings help pilots guide the plane during takeoff and landing at night.
文法句型
marking + on + noun phrase
marking + for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often appears in compound nouns such as 'road marking', 'lane marking', or 'runway marking' to specify the type of surface or purpose.
常見錯誤
3. the work of reading a student's written answer or essay, finding mistakes, and g
the work of reading a student's written answer or essay, finding mistakes, and giving a score or comment, typically done by a teacher.
Teachers often spend their weekends doing marking for the exams held during the week.
uncountable noun: doing marking / finish marking
Meera finished the marking of thirty essays before the parent-teacher meeting on Monday.
The school hired an assistant to help with marking the multiple-choice answer sheets.
Fair marking means the teacher reads each student's work without knowing their name.
Christopher complained about the heavy marking load during the end-of-term exam period.
- grading
the standard term in American English for the same activity
- assessment
a broader term that includes other forms of evaluation besides written work
文法句型
do + marking
marking + of + plural noun
用法筆記
Used as an uncountable noun in educational contexts, particularly in British English. In American English, 'grading' is more common for this sense.
常見錯誤
4. in sports like football or basketball, a defensive tactic where one player keeps
in sports like football or basketball, a defensive tactic where one player keeps close beside an opponent to block passes and prevent shots at goal.
The coach told Anong to focus on marking the other team's best midfielder.
sports tactic: tight marking / man-to-man marking
Good marking in football requires staying between your opponent and your own goal.
The defender's tight marking made it almost impossible for Adisa to receive the ball.
Inês learned zonal marking, where each player guards an area rather than a person.
文法句型
marking + of + noun phrase
man-to-man marking
zonal marking
用法筆記
A technical term in British football (soccer) and other team sports. In American English, 'guarding' is preferred for basketball and similar sports.
常見錯誤
5. the act or process of leaving a visible trace on a surface by writing, drawing,
the act or process of leaving a visible trace on a surface by writing, drawing, cutting, or pressing, especially when done for a practical purpose such as measuring, guiding, or recording.
The worker checked the marking on the wall before putting up the new shelf.
act of leaving a visible trace for a practical purpose
Min watched the child's careful marking of the paper with a thick blue crayon.
Archaeologists found ancient markings carved into the stone wall of the hidden cave.
Asher used a pencil for the initial marking of the wood before cutting it.
文法句型
marking + of + noun phrase
marking + on + noun phrase
用法筆記
Distinct from 'mark' (a single visible trace) — 'marking' emphasizes the process, system, or set of traces. When countable, it usually appears in the plural.