What does hiding mean?
Hiding usually describes the act of concealing oneself, another person, an object, or information. It can suggest deliberate secrecy or simply being out of sight: a child might be hiding during a game, while a criminal might be hiding from police. The word is also used figuratively, as when a company hides important information or a person hides their embarrassment. In its less common noun sense, “a hiding” means a concealed place, such as a cupboard or shelter where something can be kept safe. Because it is the present participle of “hide,” it commonly appears in continuous constructions such as “is hiding” and “was hiding.” The word can carry a mildly suspicious or secretive connotation, although in children’s games and storytelling it is often entirely neutral or playful.
To conceal oneself, someone, something, or information from view, attention, or discovery.
"The fox was hiding beneath the hedges."
Usually used in continuous constructions, especially with “be.”
A place where someone or something is concealed.
"The old cellar provided a hiding for the stolen paintings."
This sense is relatively uncommon and often occurs in literary or figurative contexts.
The word “hiding” can describe both an action and a secret place: a person may be hiding, or someone else may provide a hiding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hiding come from?
“Hiding” is formed from the English verb “hide,” which comes from Old English “hīdan,” meaning to conceal or cover. The verb was related to forms meaning “skin” or “hide,” reflecting an older sense of covering the body or protecting something by concealing it. Modern forms such as “hidden” and “hiding” developed through the usual Germanic and English inflectional patterns.
Related word forms
How hiding is actually used
As a verb form, “hiding” is used continuously with “be” and can function as a gerund. The noun sense, meaning a hiding place, is less common and is often literary.