pelting

1 of 2

adjective

pelt·​ing ˈpel-tiŋ How to pronounce pelting (audio)
Synonyms of peltingnext
archaic
: paltry, insignificant

pelting

2 of 2

present participle of pelt entry 2, pelt entry 3

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

probably from English dialect pelt piece of trash

First Known Use

Adjective

1540, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pelting was in 1540

Rhymes for pelting

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Browse Nearby Words

peltigerous
pelting
Peltogaster
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pelting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelting. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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