Meaning & use

pounding

adjective·Everyday

Beating heavily and repeatedly, or hitting something with great, forceful impact.

See it in a sentence

Her heart was pounding by the time she reached the top of the stairs.

Waves kept pounding against the rocks throughout the entire stormy night.

A note on using this word

Pounding often describes a strong heartbeat or headache, as well as repeated forceful blows, such as waves against rocks or fists on a door.

Words with a similar meaning

throbbinghammeringthumping

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

A severe defeat or a heavy series of blows.

The visiting team took a pounding, losing the match by six goals.

Make it your own

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