1. The act of hitting something or a person with force again and again: Corinne and Fred could hear the pounding of the waves against the shore.

The boxer took quite a pounding in the ring; however, he was still able to win the match because he was able to return his own poundings on his opponent.

The company's stocks took a pounding in the stock market.

2. That which is beating loudly and fast: Lorna could feel the poundings of her heart in her chest when she heard someone trying to break into her apartment at night while she was calling the police on the phone.