# pounding

/ˈpaʊndɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈaʊndɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pounding
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. repeated hitting

noun · CEFR B2

the sound or action of hitting something hard many times.

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

- The heavy rain kept up a steady pounding on the metal roof all night.
- The coastal defences took a severe pounding from the Atlantic surges during the winter storms, necessitating urgent structural repairs.

### 2. heartbeat or pulse

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- He could feel the pounding of his heart as he waited for the race to start.
- The sudden adrenaline rush caused a noticeable pounding in her ears, momentarily drowning out the ambient noise of the crowded terminal.

### 3. throbbing or loud

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: characterised by heavy, rhythmic, and forceful throbs or beats.

- She woke up with a pounding headache after only three hours of sleep.
- The nightclub's pounding bass could be heard from two blocks away, vibrating through the windows of the quiet residential street.

## Examples

- I could hear the pounding of the drums from outside.
- The heavy pounding of the rain against the metal roof made it impossible to sleep.
- After the sprint, the athlete could feel the rhythmic pounding of blood in her temples as she struggled to catch her breath.

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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.