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scolding

noun

scold·​ing ˈskōl-diŋ How to pronounce scolding (audio)
1
: the action of one who scolds
2
: a harsh reproof
gave the child a sharp scolding for running into the road

Examples of scolding 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.
Flies did not follow me, but someone’s gaze did, leading to a lengthy scolding from my mother. Edwidge Danticat, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025 Second-year Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards had a breakout game off the bench in the team’s 102-100 win on Tuesday night, but received a scolding from his mother. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2025 The New York City mayoral candidate laughed at Goldberg's playful scolding. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025 The scolding came after Combs seemingly nodded at jurors during Bongolan’s testimony about the balcony incident. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for scolding

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scolding was in 1547

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Cite this Entry

“Scolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scolding. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

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