dressing-down

noun

dres·​sing-down ˌdre-siŋ-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce dressing-down (audio)
: a severe reprimand

Examples of dressing-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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So, while O’Neil will be in constant dialogue with Mosquera about ensuring his actions do not cross a line and disadvantage his team, there are no plans for a dressing-down over Saturday nor moves to curb his fiery streak too much. Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024 Reporters allowed back into courtroom as Costello testimony continues Robert Costello has resumed his testimony after what appears to have been a private dressing-down by Judge Juan Merchan. Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2016 The Indian Foreign Ministry immediately summoned German and U.S. diplomats for a dressing-down in New Delhi. Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024 Moreover, in a very rare action, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. was called to the State Department for a dressing-down. Elliott Abrams, National Review, 24 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dressing-down was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near dressing-down

Cite this Entry

“Dressing-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dressing-down. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

dressing-down

noun
dres·​sing-down
ˌdres-iŋ-ˈdau̇n
: a severe criticism

More from Merriam-Webster on dressing-down

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