noun
Uncommon
pounding
POWN-dihng
Pounding (noun) means the act of hitting something repeatedly, or a heavy, rhythmic beating sensation. Example: “The pounding of the surf could be heard from a mile away.”
noun
1
The act of hitting something repeatedly, or a heavy, rhythmic beating sensation.
"The pounding of the surf could be heard from a mile away."
"She had a pounding headache after the concert."
adj
1
Marked by heavy, repeated throbbing or beating.
"His pounding heartbeat was the only sound in the quiet room."
How to use pounding
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA heavy, repeated beating or throbbing — of surf, drums, a heart, or a headache.
Common pairings
pounding headache
pounding rain
pounding heart
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Word forms
- Plural
- poundings
- Comparative
- more pounding
- Superlative
- most pounding
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of the surf could be heard from a mile away.
Related words
Rhymes for pounding
See all rhymes for pounding →Frequently asked questions
What does “pounding” mean?
The word “pounding” means the act of hitting something repeatedly, or a heavy, rhythmic beating sensation. In plain terms, a heavy, repeated beating or throbbing — of surf, drums, a heart, or a headache.
How do you pronounce “pounding”?
“Pounding” is pronounced POWN-dihng (/ˈpaʊn.dɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pounding” in a sentence?
Here is “pounding” used in a sentence: “The pounding of the surf could be heard from a mile away.”
What part of speech is “pounding”?
Depending on how it is used, “pounding” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “pounding” a common word?
“Pounding” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pounding” have?
“Pounding” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of hitting something repeatedly, or a heavy, rhythmic beating sensation.
What is the difference between pounding and throbbing?
Pounding describes a heavy, forceful, rhythmic beating sensation or repeated hitting, while throbbing usually suggests a pulsing sensation that can be softer or more localized, such as a minor ache. A 'pounding headache' tends to feel more intense and hammer-like than a 'throbbing' one.
Is pounding used as a noun or an adjective?
Pounding can function as both. As a noun it names the act of hitting something repeatedly or the beating sensation itself, as in 'a pounding at the door,' while as an adjective it describes something marked by heavy, repeated throbbing, as in 'a pounding heart.'
