Definition of scolding
1 : the action of one who scolds
2 : a harsh reproof gave the child a sharp scolding for running into the road
Recent Examples of scolding from the Web
Other critics rejected his scolding of Protestant churches for embracing social movements.
Women who sunbathe topless in Ocean City used to get a scolding from beach patrol officers, but that has changed.
The episode stemmed from his real-life childhood memory of trying bacon at a friend’s house and receiving a scolding from his mother over the phone.
Trump’s scolding of NATO allies for their level of military spending during his foreign trip last week also appeared designed to play to his base at home rather than strengthen friendships abroad.
He's been willing to risk disapproval, engaging in an extraordinary scolding of close allies over their responsibility to pay for mutual defense.
Trump’s scolding of America’s European allies over insufficient defense spending may have been what grabbed quick headlines, both in Europe and the US.
By his scolding, Trump was directly delivering to NATO allies the criticism that was a staple of his nationalist campaign for president.
The brief scolding left George sulking at his mother's side.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scolding'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of scolding
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