noun
fondling
FOND-lihng
Fondling (noun) means a person or animal that is doted on and much loved. Example: “The spaniel was the fondling of the whole household.”
noun
1
A person or animal that is doted on and much loved.
"The spaniel was the fondling of the whole household."
2
The act of stroking or caressing tenderly.
"The kitten purred under the gentle fondling."
How to use fondling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a beloved pet/person, or the act of gentle caressing.
When to use it
Rare as a noun for "a beloved one" — most modern use is the verb form, fondling as in caressing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- fondlings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The spaniel was the _____ of the whole household.
Etymology
Formed from fond and -ling.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “fondling” mean?
The word “fondling” means a person or animal that is doted on and much loved. In plain terms, either a beloved pet/person, or the act of gentle caressing.
How do you pronounce “fondling”?
“Fondling” is pronounced FOND-lihng (/ˈfɒndlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “fondling” in a sentence?
Here is “fondling” used in a sentence: “The spaniel was the fondling of the whole household.”
What part of speech is “fondling”?
“Fondling” is a noun.
How many meanings does “fondling” have?
“Fondling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or animal that is doted on and much loved.
