scolding

American  

[skohl-ding] / ˈskoʊl dɪŋ /

noun

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

   I got a scolding for being late again.

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Other Word Forms

• unscolding adjective

Etymology

Origin of scolding

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; scold, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

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

Imagine this: The cheerful, if slightly scolding voices of the self-checkout machines punctuate the steady hum of fluorescent lights.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

As Busta Rhymes continues scolding the troll, the TMZ video pans over to the crowd and identifies Kenny Brooks, an internet personality known as Funny Salesman.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

I could hear Bertha in the kitchen talking to some of the cats while she fed them, scolding one of them for killing a bird.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor