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.

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

In one remarkable passage, Burroughs also criticized the Supreme Court’s cryptic shadow docket decisions, then condemned the justices for scolding lower courts that are unable to divine the meaning of these cryptic orders.

From Slate • Sep. 5, 2025

If you were a decent person, you go home and you’re scolding yourself, but it’s been an eye-opening, weird experience.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2025

Tía Laura scolds, but even her scolding voice has nothing but worry in it.

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez

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