chest-thumping

noun

chest-thump·​ing ˈches(t)-ˌthəm-piŋ How to pronounce chest-thumping (audio)
Synonyms of chest-thumpingnext
: conduct or expression marked by pompous or arrogant self-assertion
political chest-thumping

Examples of chest-thumping in a Sentence

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.
Around the world, mourning rituals of Muharram and Ashoura can include rhythmic chest-thumping or beating in unison and public processions. ABC News, 25 June 2026 As the sun began to lower, the men gathered in a circle, the tempo of their chest-thumping accelerating with the intensity of their chants. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026 This sounds like a worthy alternative, although whether Americans will find the self-critical patriotism of loving a work in progress as compelling as chest-thumping jingoistic nationalism remains an open question. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 The defensive spark plug somehow jumped higher than any Nuggets forward did for a rebound in Minneapolis last Thursday night, chest-thumping the glass at the top of his leap. Sean Keeler, Twin Cities, 5 May 2026 The defensive spark plug somehow jumped higher than any Nuggets forward did for a rebound in Minneapolis last Thursday night, chest-thumping the glass at the top of his leap. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 4 May 2026 The Sabres took the chest-thumping contest, out-hitting the B’s 53-38. Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026 But his uppercase blasts, chest-thumping rants and coarse insults are more likely now to draw a Gallic shrug. Serge Schmemann, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026 His remarks about Iran moved beyond personal attacks or chest-thumping nationalism to take on a tone of collective punishment and civilizational destruction. Stephanie A, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chest-thumping was in 1915

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chest-thumping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chest-thumping. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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