punching bag

noun

punch·​ing bag ˈpən-chiŋ- How to pronounce punching bag (audio)
Synonyms of punching bagnext
1
: a stuffed or inflated bag usually suspended for free movement and punched for exercise or for training in boxing
2
: one who is routinely abused or defeated by another

Examples of punching bag in a Sentence

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.
True to his name, Rocky took up boxing at a young age, with Gellar proudly posting photos of him gloved-up at the punching bag in 2016. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 20 Jan. 2023 Netflix has been a favourite punching bag for many in the French industry who blame declining box office on the rise of online viewing. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2022 This 205-pound heavyweight punching bag is a #1 best-seller on Amazon. John Thompson, Men's Health, 14 Nov. 2022 Social media, often a punching bag here, took more hits this year. Rob Pegoraro, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for punching bag

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punching bag was in 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Punching bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punching%20bag. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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