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 punching bag stings my hands and feet, turning my skin red, and barely moves no matter how hard I hit it.
From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth
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.
