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Synonyms

madding

American  
[mad-ing] / ˈmæd ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. acting madly or senselessly; insane; frenzied.

    a quiet place far from the madding crowd.

  2. making mad.

    a madding grief.


madding British  
/ ˈmædɪŋ /

adjective

  1. acting or behaving as if mad

    the madding crowd

  2. making mad; maddening

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • maddingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of madding

1300–50; Middle English. See mad (v.), -ing 2

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.

Clustered barnacle-like at the end of a glorious arc of sand, Beadnell, along with the neighbouring villages of Bamburgh and Seahouses, has long been a magnet for those seeking refuge from the madding crowd.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Far from the madding crowd, not to mention from the alluring presence of his MI6 handler and former lover, Faith Green, Gabriel works away in his cottage on a travel book about the world’s rivers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

This is a crowded sports market, even with the Sonics gone for a decade and a half, and standing out from the madding crowd isn’t easy.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2023

The madding crowd functions differently on this volcanic island, with vistas so jaw-droppingly picturesque, they’re frequently punctuated by social media influencers and soon-to-be brides and grooms, along with their attendant photographers.

From New York Times • Aug. 24, 2022

It was exactly the madding crowd that Bobby wished would stay afar.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady