noun
reprimand
REHP-rih-mahnd
Reprimand (noun) means a formal, often stern rebuke for wrongdoing. Example: “She received an official reprimand for missing the deadline.”
noun
1
A formal, often stern rebuke for wrongdoing.
"She received an official reprimand for missing the deadline."
verb
1
To formally scold or criticize someone for something they did wrong.
"The manager reprimanded him in front of the whole team."
How to use reprimand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal telling-off, or to give one.
When to use it
More formal than "tell off" or "scold" — used especially in workplace or official disciplinary contexts.
Common pairings
formal reprimand
reprimand an employee
issue a reprimand
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Word forms
- Plural
- reprimands
- Third person singular
- reprimands
- Past tense
- reprimanded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She received an official _____ for missing the deadline.
Etymology
From French reprimande, from reprimer ("to repress") — ultimately from the same Latin root as "repress."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “reprimand” mean?
The word “reprimand” means a formal, often stern rebuke for wrongdoing. In plain terms, a formal telling-off, or to give one.
How do you pronounce “reprimand”?
“Reprimand” is pronounced REHP-rih-mahnd (/ˈɹɛpɹɪmɑːnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “reprimand” in a sentence?
Here is “reprimand” used in a sentence: “She received an official reprimand for missing the deadline.”
What part of speech is “reprimand”?
Depending on how it is used, “reprimand” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “reprimand” come from?
The word “reprimand” comes from Latin. From French reprimande, from reprimer ("to repress") — ultimately from the same Latin root as "repress.".
How many meanings does “reprimand” have?
“Reprimand” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal, often stern rebuke for wrongdoing.
