scolding

1 of 2

noun

scold·​ing ˈskōl-diŋ 

1

: the action of one who scolds

2

: a harsh reproof

gave the child a sharp scolding for running into the road

scolding

2 of 2

present participle of scold entry 1

Examples of scolding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Staging a movie of broad scolding maximalism isn’t the same thing as staging a movie of debonair satirical insanity. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Patrick injects a light touch into his scolding of restaurant staff when a tablecloth isn’t crisply ironed or cutlery and glasses are improperly placed. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

In Pennsylvania, two teenage boys were given a scolding and probation after using some of these same tools to create and distribute CSAM of their classmates. — Alex Hartman, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026

Following Putin’s scolding of his aides on Wednesday, the central bank chief said Thursday that Russia’s unemployment rate remained at a historic low of 2% as the war created a lack of available workers, forcing employers to compete for staff. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scolding

• folding
• holding
• molding
• moulding
• beholding
• enfolding
• landholding
• refolding
• shareholding
• slaveholding
• stockholding
• unfolding