What does pelting mean?
Pelting means striking or attacking repeatedly with a series of objects, remarks, or other missiles. A person might pelt a speaker with questions, a crowd might pelt a performer with confetti, or rain might pelt a house throughout the night. The word is especially effective for actions that are forceful, continuous, and visually or verbally overwhelming. It can describe both physical aggression and figurative bombardment, as in a minister being pelted by reporters’ questions. Although related to the noun “pelt,” meaning an animal skin, the modern verb normally refers to repeated striking rather than to skinning. In its present-participle form, “pelting” is especially common in descriptions of heavy rain, projectiles, and rapid verbal attacks.
To attack or strike repeatedly with objects, or to direct many questions, complaints, or remarks at someone.
"An angry crowd pelted the officials with debris as they entered."
Frequently used in figurative contexts to describe a rapid or persistent verbal barrage.
To fall with force and continuity, especially as rain.
"Cold rain was pelting the deck of the fishing boat."
This sense is common in literary and descriptive writing.
A forceful or continuous shower of rain, missiles, or similar things.
"A heavy pelting of rain soon flooded the courtyard."
This noun use is less common than the verb forms and often occurs in phrases such as “a pelting of rain.”
Rare; used for distinct instances or kinds of a shower or barrage.
"The writings describe the repeated peltings of rain against the shutters."
A pelting may be a barrage of rain, a shower of stones, or a relentless volley of questions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pelting come from?
The verb developed in Middle English from an Old French word meaning “to strike repeatedly.” The deeper origin of that Old French term is uncertain. Modern forms such as “pelt,” “pelted,” and “pelter” continue the same verbal lineage.
Related word forms
How pelting is actually used
The verb is vivid and often somewhat informal. When used for questions or criticism, it suggests persistent pressure rather than merely a single accusation.