noun Uncommon

bruising

BROO-zihng

Bruising (noun) means a pattern or area of bruises on the skin. Example: “The doctor noted extensive bruising on his arm.”

noun

A pattern or area of bruises on the skin.

"The doctor noted extensive bruising on his arm."

adj

Physically or emotionally harsh; punishing.

"It was a bruising defeat for the home team."

How to use bruising

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the bruises themselves, or (as an adjective) something rough and punishing.

Common pairings

extensive bruising a bruising encounter

Word forms

more bruising comparative, bruisings plural, most bruising superlative

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The doctor noted extensive _____ on his arm.

Etymology

From bruise + -ing.

Rhymes for bruising

rising raising arising devising advising cruising uprising praising promising surprising exercising practising

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Frequently asked questions

What does “bruising” mean?

The word “bruising” means a pattern or area of bruises on the skin. In plain terms, either the bruises themselves, or (as an adjective) something rough and punishing.

How do you pronounce “bruising”?

“Bruising” is pronounced BROO-zihng (/ˈbɹuːzɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “bruising” in a sentence?

Here is “bruising” used in a sentence: “The doctor noted extensive bruising on his arm.”

What part of speech is “bruising”?

Depending on how it is used, “bruising” can be a noun and an adjective.

Is “bruising” a common word?

“Bruising” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “bruising” have?

“Bruising” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a pattern or area of bruises on the skin.