# stoning

/ˈstoʊnɪŋ/ (US) · /stˈəʊnɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stoning
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the act of hitting someone or something with many stones. It is often used to describe a very old and cruel way of punishing people.

For teachers: the act of hitting a person or object with a large number of stones. Often refers to a form of capital punishment or mob violence in historical or specific cultural contexts.

## Examples

- The ancient law included stoning as a punishment for certain crimes.
- Historical records describe the stoning of a local leader as a public display of community judgment.
- While modern legal systems have abolished such practices, the threat of stoning remains a significant human rights concern in certain regions where traditional laws still hold sway.

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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.