Combing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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combing

[ˈkoʊmɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

hair

The act of arranging the hair by drawing a comb through it.

Synonyms

brushing, grooming, tidying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
combing	Again, this refers to using a comb but can also be metaphorically used to describe searching through something thoroughly. The detective was combing through the evidence. She was combing the beach looking for shells.
brushing	This word is usually used when talking about using a brush to straighten or style hair, or to remove dirt from surfaces. He was brushing his teeth before bed. She likes brushing her hair after washing it.
grooming	Used in a formal context or to describe personal care habits, including more than just hair, but overall appearance. He spends a lot of time grooming before work. The dog needs regular grooming to stay clean and healthy.
tidying	Refers to making something neat and orderly, more commonly used for spaces or rooms rather than hair. She was tidying her room all afternoon. After the party, they began tidying up the living room.

Examples of usage

She gave her hair a quick combing before leaving the house.
After the shower, she did a thorough combing to remove any tangles.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

textiles

The process of separating and straightening out fibers, as of cotton or wool.

Synonyms

carding, cleaning, preparing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
combing	Used to describe the act of using a comb to remove tangles from hair or fur. She spent the morning combing her daughter's hair. The groomer is combing the dog's fur to remove knots.
carding	Typically refers to the process of cleaning and aligning fibers, such as wool, before they are spun into yarn. The artisan is carding the wool to make it ready for spinning. Carding helps to remove impurities and align the fibers for easier handling.
preparing	Refers to getting something ready for a specific purpose, often involves various tasks such as organizing, arranging, or making necessary arrangements. He is preparing the documents for the meeting. Preparing dinner can be a joyful activity.
cleaning	General term used for removing dirt, dust, or unwanted substances from a surface or area. She spent the afternoon cleaning the house. Cleaning the kitchen after cooking is very important.

Examples of usage

Combing is an essential step in preparing the fibers for spinning.
The combing machine efficiently separates the fibers.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

hair

To arrange or untangle (hair) by drawing a comb through it.

Synonyms

brush, groom, untangle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
combing	Typically used when referring to the action of passing a comb through hair to remove tangles or make it neat. She spent the morning combing her hair before the event The mother was gently combing her child's hair
brush	This is used when referring to using a brush (with bristles) on hair, fur, or other surfaces. It can also mean to tidy up or clean something. He brushes his teeth twice a day She brushed her cat's fur to make it shiny and smooth
groom	Usually refers to making oneself or someone else neat and clean, often in preparation for an event. It also applies to taking care of animals' coats. He spent hours grooming himself for the interview The horse was well-groomed before the show
untangle	Used when referring to the action of removing knots or tangles from something, usually hair or strings. It took a while to untangle the string lights She had to untangle her headphones before using them

Examples of usage

She combing her daughter's hair gently.
He combed his hair neatly before the job interview.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'combing'

The word 'combing' originated from the Old English word 'comb', which is of Germanic origin. The verb 'combing' has been used since the late Middle English period, while the noun form dates back to the early 17th century. Combing has been an essential practice in grooming and textile processing for centuries, with combs being made from various materials over time.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,406, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20406 combing
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