English Reference
Adjective

thumping

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈθəmpɪŋ/ UK /θˈʌmpɪŋ/ thump·ing Sports

adj.very large, impressive, or loud. You use it to emphasize how big or strong something is.

adj.Used as an intensifier to emphasize the great size, importance, or volume of something. Often precedes nouns related to victory, defeat, or physical sound.


SIMPLE

The team celebrated a thumping victory over their rivals.

CONTEXTUAL

The candidate won the election with a thumping majority, surprising even the most optimistic pollsters.

COMPLEX

The silence of the library was suddenly shattered by the thumping bass of a car stereo passing by on the street outside.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun to provide emphasis.

Ever found a bare-nosed wombat napping under your house or heard a possum thumping around in your attic?

Phys.org· 4 Sept 2026

Derek McInnes earned his first win as boss with a thumping 5-1 victory on Sunday and will now host Celtic.

BBC News· 16 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated