reckoning

noun

reck·​on·​ing ˈre-kə-niŋ How to pronounce reckoning (audio)
ˈrek-niŋ
1
: the act or an instance of reckoning: such as
a
c
: calculation of a ship's position
2
: a settling of accounts
day of reckoning
3
: a summing up

Examples of reckoning in a Sentence

I was more than $10 off in my reckoning. When the day of reckoning comes, we will have to face some unpleasant truths. Our football team hardly comes into the reckoning. Because of his injury, he is out of the reckoning. The team is still in the reckoning.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of my favorite AI stories this year is the reckoning of Swedish Buy-Now-Pay-Later platform Klarna. Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 In recent years, Nashville has dodged its own reckoning surrounding the issue of race. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 28 May 2025 This reckoning perhaps is best exemplified by Happy Burstday’s track list, which features 13 solo songs — one for each member — and only three group tracks. Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025 This move showcases a significant shift from five years ago, when the racial reckoning triggered by George Floyd's murder sent companies racing to staff up. Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reckoning

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reckoning was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reckoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reckoning. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

reckoning

noun
reck·​on·​ing
1
: the act or an instance of calculating
2
: a settling of accounts
day of reckoning

More from Merriam-Webster on reckoning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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