English Reference
noun · adjective

pounding

n. · adj.
US /ˈpaʊndɪŋ/ UK /pˈaʊndɪŋ/ pound·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the sound or action of hitting something hard many times.

    n.the act of striking something repeatedly with heavy force, or the sound produced by such impacts.

    Simple

    The heavy rain kept up a steady pounding on the metal roof all night.

    In context

    The coastal defences took a severe pounding from the Atlantic surges during the winter storms, necessitating urgent structural repairs.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a strong, fast, and repeated beat in your body, usually from exercise or fear.

    n.a rhythmic and forceful pulsation, typically of the heart or pulse, often induced by physical exertion or emotional stress.

    Simple

    He could feel the pounding of his heart as he waited for the race to start.

    In context

    The sudden adrenaline rush caused a noticeable pounding in her ears, momentarily drowning out the ambient noise of the crowded terminal.

    throbpalpitationpulsation
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing a sound or feeling that is very loud, heavy, and repeated.

    adj.characterised by heavy, rhythmic, and forceful throbs or beats.

    Simple

    She woke up with a pounding headache after only three hours of sleep.

    In context

    The nightclub's pounding bass could be heard from two blocks away, vibrating through the windows of the quiet residential street.

She has been pounding the streets of London since the beginning of this year trying to drum up support.

The Guardian· 6 Sept 2026

Pegula looked helpless as Sabelanka raced through the second set, with the Belarusian pounding 29 winners to her 12.

BBC News· 11 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated