scolding

American  

[skohl-ding] / ˈskoʊl dɪŋ /

noun

1. the action of a person who scolds; a rebuke; reproof.

   I got a scolding for being late again.

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Other Word Forms

• unscolding
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of scolding

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at scold, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

But the dentist scolding you for not flossing more often may not own the business anymore.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

Caluori says that, along with Pollock's trailblazing example, he has taken heed of a training-ground scolding from former England captain Owen Farrell.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

And with responses from Russia and China limited to scolding statements, there is little reason not to keep pushing ahead.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

Imagine this: The cheerful, if slightly scolding voices of the self-checkout machines punctuate the steady hum of fluorescent lights.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

Ms. Wardak was scolding some kid, a sixth grader.

From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee