The meaning of TELLING is carrying great weight and producing a marked effect : effective, expressive. How to use telling in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Telling.

If you reveal something without meaning to, that's telling as well: "The look on his face was telling." This adjective dates from the mid-1800s, from the verb tell and its sense of "to reveal or disclose."

1. having force or effect; effective; striking: a telling blow. 2. indicative of much otherwise unnoticed; revealing: a telling analysis.

If something is telling, it shows the true nature of a person or situation. It was her expression that was the most telling. How a man shaves may be a telling clue to his age.

TELLING definition: 1. showing the truth about a situation or showing what someone really thinks: 2. showing the truth…. Learn more.

Definition of telling adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

to narrate (a story, etc.) to (someone): [~ + object] He told a story to the children. [~ + object + object] He told the children a story. [no object] The story tells of the legend of King Arthur.

Dec 11, 2025 · telling (comparative more telling, superlative most telling) Having force, or having a marked effect; weighty, effective.

telling definition: convincing or effective in argument. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like "no telling", "telling it like it is", …

When applied to a situation, event, or behavior, "telling" implies that it provides valuable clues or evidence about a person's character, intentions, or the underlying truth of a matter.