Fanning: meaning, definitions and examples

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fanning

 

[ ˈfænɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

air circulation

Fanning refers to the action of moving air with a device, such as a fan or your hand, to create a cooling effect. This can also involve spreading or waving something outwards like leaves or feathers.

Synonyms

flapping, swaying, waving

Examples of usage

  • She was fanning herself with a magazine.
  • He fanned the flames to make the fire burn brighter.
  • They sat under the tree, fanning themselves on a hot day.
Context #2 | Noun

cooling device

A 'fanning' refers to a method or device used for creating airflow, typically employed to cool an area or an individual. It can also describe the motion performed while using such a device.

Synonyms

aeration, circulation, ventilation

Examples of usage

  • The fanning of the leaves created a calming sound.
  • The fanning technique helped to circulate the humid air.
  • He bought a small fanning device for his desk.

Translations

Translations of the word "fanning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ventilação

🇮🇳 पंखा झलना

🇩🇪 Fächer

🇮🇩 mengibaskan

🇺🇦 віяло

🇵🇱 wachlarz

🇯🇵 扇ぐ (あおぐ)

🇫🇷 ventilation

🇪🇸 ventilación

🇹🇷 havalandırma

🇰🇷 부채질

🇸🇦 تهوية

🇨🇿 větrání

🇸🇰 vetranie

🇨🇳 扇风 (shàn fēng)

🇸🇮 ventilacija

🇮🇸 vift

🇰🇿 желдету

🇬🇪 ვენტილაცია

🇦🇿 havalandırma

🇲🇽 ventilación

Word origin

The term 'fanning' derives from the Old English word 'fanna', meaning 'a wing or quivering motion', which is closely related to the Proto-Germanic term 'fannō', from the Proto-Indo-European root 'pā-', meaning 'to protect or shield'. The action of fanning has been an essential practice for creating airflow and cooling oneself since ancient times, often utilized in various cultures with handheld fans made from leaves, feathers, or cloth. As technology evolved, the term extended to describe mechanical devices designed for similar purposes. This evolution showcases how language and utility intertwine over centuries, often preserving the original meanings while adapting to contemporary contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,390, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.