Synonyms

scolding

American

[skohl-ding] / ˈskoʊl dɪŋ /

noun

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

I got a scolding for being late again.

Other Word Forms

unscolding adjective

Etymology

Origin of scolding

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

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.

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

When I wrote about the experience anonymously on Reddit, I received a mix of sympathy and scolding.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 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

Big Ma didn’t stop scolding until the bluish-green Volkswagen was well on its way.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023