- present participle of mock.
mocking
Americanadjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of mocking
First recorded in 1400–50; mock ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective; mock ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun
Explanation
When you talk to or about someone in a mocking tone, you're making fun of them in a nasty, mean way. But if you're a comedy writer or political satirist, a mocking attitude is a tool of your trade. If you're writing a skit about the outrageous proposal some politician has just made, you'll write it in a mocking tone, imitating the politician's voice and mannerisms in a way that makes him look as ridiculous as you think he is. Seen any mockingbirds lately? That's the bird that sings almost nonstop, imitating the calls of other birds.
Vocabulary lists containing mocking
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mocking C-suite sharkdom is far too easy for Mr. Lanthimos, though.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025
Mocking Trump about his appearance isn’t new, of course.
From Salon • Mar. 30, 2024
Mocking these losers could endanger our access to saccharine wines.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2024
Mocking images playing on the cover of the famed “Abbey Road” album circulated online, with the Beatles crossing the street holding the Urumqi road sign.
From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2022
Mocking laughter follows me as I leave the building, hurrying after the sheriff and Katherine.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
