- present participle of scold.
scolding
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of scolding
late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at 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.
But even while tacitly admitting Kirk’s scolding was unfair, she still insisted she was grateful for the “fatherly tough love.”
From Salon • Jun. 12, 2026
The other man, after getting to his feet, appears to continue scolding Ritchson before the actor and his family drive off.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 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
And third, because ten seconds later a curly-haired woman walked out of the playground loudly scolding a boy around Hadley’s age.
From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee
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.
