punching bag
Americannoun
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punching bags
plural
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an inflated or stuffed bag, usually suspended, punched with the fists as an exercise.
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Informal. a person serving as an object of abuse; scapegoat.
I told him that I wasn't going to be a punching bag for anyone.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of punching bag
First recorded in 1895–1900
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.
"We have grown tired of seeing our country used as a punching bag," he said.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026
A slow start to these playoffs and last year’s postseason struggles made Reaves an online punching bag for fan frustrations.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026
It felt as if a boxer had used my bladder as a punching bag.
From Slate ● Apr. 18, 2026
Behind him, some of the young athletes faced each other in the ring surrounded by cheering gymmates, while others trained on a punching bag.
From Barron's ● Feb. 10, 2026
The wind pummeled the balloon as if it were an inverted punching bag, then tore it to pieces and cast shreds of its nine thousand yards of silk as far as half a mile away.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
