Word Noun
scolding
n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈskoʊɫdɪŋ/ UK /skˈəʊldɪŋ/ scold·ing UK spelling scoldings
Definition
n.the act of telling someone off in a loud or angry way. It is usually a short, sharp talk to make someone behave better.
n.the act of reprimanding someone in a sharp, angry, or disapproving manner. Often implies a brief, verbal correction of behavior.
Examples
“The child received a scolding for being late.”
“After the presentation, the manager gave a scolding to the team for missing the deadline.”
“The scolding was brief but effective, serving as a clear warning that such negligence would not be tolerated in the future.”
Etymology
From scold + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated