verb
B1
Intermediate
scold
SKOHLD
Scold (verb) means to criticize someone sharply, usually for doing something wrong. Example: “The teacher scolded the students for talking during the test.”
verb
1
To criticize someone sharply, usually for doing something wrong.
"The teacher scolded the students for talking during the test."
"She scolded her dog for digging up the garden."
noun
1
Old-fashioned: a person, especially a woman, who habitually nags or criticizes.
"In the old play, she is portrayed as a bitter scold who berates everyone around her."
How to use scold
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo tell someone off, usually a milder and more personal version of "reprimand," often used for parents correcting children.
Common pairings
scold a child
get scolded
scold someone for
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Word forms
- Plural
- scolds
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The teacher _____ the students for talking during the test.
Etymology
The verb comes from Middle English scolden; the noun is older still, possibly linked to Old Norse skald, "poet" — since medieval poets sometimes wrote biting, insulting verses.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for scold
See all rhymes for scold →Frequently asked questions
What does “scold” mean?
The word “scold” means to criticize someone sharply, usually for doing something wrong. In plain terms, to tell someone off, usually a milder and more personal version of "reprimand," often used for parents correcting children.
How do you pronounce “scold”?
“Scold” is pronounced SKOHLD (/ˈskoʊ̯ld/ in IPA).
How do you use “scold” in a sentence?
Here is “scold” used in a sentence: “The teacher scolded the students for talking during the test.”
What part of speech is “scold”?
Depending on how it is used, “scold” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scold” come from?
The word “scold” comes from Middle English. The verb comes from Middle English scolden; the noun is older still, possibly linked to Old Norse skald, "poet" — since medieval poets sometimes wrote biting, insulting verses.
How many meanings does “scold” have?
“Scold” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to criticize someone sharply, usually for doing something wrong.
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