saving

Etymology

From save + -ing.

noun

1. A reduction in cost or expenditure.
   The shift of the supplier gave us a saving of 10 percent.
2. (countable, usually in the plural) Something (usually money) that is saved, particularly money that has been set aside for the future.
   I invested all my savings in gold.
   The collapse of Enron wiped out the life savings of many people, leaving them poor in their retirement.
3. (uncountable) The action of the verb to save.
4. (law, obsolete) Exception; reservation.
   saving and transitional provisions

verb

1. present participle and gerund of save

adj

1. (theology) That saves someone from damnation; redemptive.
2. Preserving; rescuing.
3. Thrifty; frugal.
   a saving cook
   Three of her bairns were drowned at sea, fishing off the Bervie braes they had been, but the fourth, the boy Cospatric, him that died the same day as the Old Queen, he was douce and saving and sensible, and set putting the estate to rights. 1932, Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Sunset Song (A Scots Quair), Polygon, published 2006, page 14
4. Bringing back in returns or in receipts the sum expended; incurring no loss, though not gainful.
   a saving bargain
   The ship has made a saving voyage.
5. Making reservation or exception.
   a saving clause
6. (in compound adjectives) Relating to making a saving.
   labour-saving
   energy-saving light bulbs

prep

1. With the exception of; except; save.
2. Without disrespect to.
   Saving your presence. a. 1796, Robert Burns, The Carle of Kellyburn Braes