# grilling

/ˈɡɹɪɫɪŋ/ (US) · /ɡɹˈɪlɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grilling
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a long period of intense and difficult questioning. You usually face this when someone wants to find out the truth or test your knowledge.

For teachers: a period of intense, relentless, or aggressive questioning. Often used in contexts involving police interrogations, political interviews, or strict parental inquiries.

## Examples

- The boss gave him a real grilling about the missing files.
- After the team lost the final match, the coach gave the players a tough grilling in the locker room.
- The minister faced a fierce grilling from the opposition during the committee hearing, with every policy failure being scrutinized under the public eye.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The police made a grilling to the suspect" but "The police gave the suspect a grilling" — Grilling collocations typically use 'give' or 'receive', not 'make'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verb 'give' or 'get'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.