shellacking

noun

shel·​lack·​ing shə-ˈla-kiŋ How to pronounce shellacking (audio)
: a decisive defeat : drubbing

Examples of shellacking in a Sentence

They took a shellacking in yesterday's game. suffered a shellacking at the hands of a vastly superior opposition
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Without starting quarterback Bryce Young (ankle), Carolina looked overmatched by the Bills in the 31-point shellacking at home. Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025 Following a two-week international break, Pellegrino started at Portland last week and scored twice more in a 4-0 shellacking that gave SDFC the Western Conference title. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025 But this season feels different, Smith said Sunday following Indianapolis’ 40-6 shellacking of the Las Vegas Raiders. James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025 Roosevelt has scored 88 points in its last two games, including a 40-22 shellacking of 4A Ponderosa. Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shellacking

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shellacking was in 1931

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shellacking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shellacking. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

shellacking

noun
shel·​lack·​ing
shə-ˈlak-iŋ
: a lopsided defeat

More from Merriam-Webster on shellacking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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