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Synonyms

hounding

American  
[houn-ding] / ˈhaʊn dɪŋ /

noun

Nautical.

  1. the portion of a lower mast between the cheeks or hounds and the deck.

  2. the portion of an upper mast between the cap of the mast below and the hounds above.

  3. the part of a bowsprit projecting beyond the stem.

Etymology

Origin of hounding

First recorded in 1850–55; hound 2 + -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.

His creditors and vendors—such as cell-tower builders—are hounding him for repayment, and he should have to honor his debts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The inquest heard sections of the media had been "hounding" the presenter over the alleged assault of Lewis Burton, which she denied.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2025

There’s very little she says in “Chimp Crazy” to the lawyers and judges hounding that’s true, but the biggest whoppers she tells highlight her self-delusion.

From Salon • Aug. 18, 2024

After production wrapped in October, crew members spent months hounding Emmett and Small for their full payment, The Times reported in April.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2024

Jenny was sober as she went about her work, and Jethro roamed about the barn and woodlot with deep trouble hounding him.

From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt

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.