mocking
Americanadjective
noun
Other Word Forms
- mockingly adverb
- self-mocking adjective
- unmocking adjective
- unmockingly adverb
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.
Some are mentally soothed by repeating specific words or phrases, a phenomenon known as echolalia, which can be misinterpreted by someone unfamiliar with the trait as mocking or uncooperative.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
When you can make more money mocking tech sales bros than actually being one.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026
Though many of those “Chuck Norris Facts” were facetious and mocking, there were just as many that served as unironic celebrations of the man.
From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026
Aldi UK has made the case for its Cuthbert the Caterpillar cake to appear on banknotes, even mocking up a job application to the Bank of England.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026
She made mocking air quotes with her fingers as she spoke the last word.
From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
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.
