Synonyms

scolding

American

[skohl-ding] / ˈskoʊl dɪŋ /

noun

the action of a person who scolds; a rebuke; reproof.

I got a scolding for being late again.

Other Word Forms

unscolding adjective

Etymology

Origin of scolding

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; scold, -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.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra significantly declined as more Democrats entered the contest and Porter dealt with the fallout from videos of her cursing at an aide and scolding a reporter.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

Caluori says that, along with Pollock's trailblazing example, he has taken heed of a training-ground scolding from former England captain Owen Farrell.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

And with responses from Russia and China limited to scolding statements, there is little reason not to keep pushing ahead.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

Anyway, in response to Gorsuch and Kavanaugh’s scolding, Judge Burroughs dropped an extraordinary footnote.

From Slate • Sep. 5, 2025

I looked forward to those walks to the river, for I was walking away from Sass and her scolding.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023