punching bag
noun
punch·ing bag
ˈpən-chiŋ- 
1
: a stuffed or inflated bag usually suspended for free movement and punched for exercise or for training in boxing
2
: one who is routinely abused or defeated by another
Examples of punching bag in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The best use of Pact airpower was not to bomb NATO troops, but simply to act as a sponge – or a punching bag – for NATO aircraft.
—
Michael Peck, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2022
The docuseries explores how, throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s, Barney turned into a cultural punching bag, the subject of disdain from adults and derision from kids desperate to disavow their childish pastimes.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 10 Oct. 2022
See all Example Sentences for punching bag 
Michael Peck, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2022
The docuseries explores how, throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s, Barney turned into a cultural punching bag, the subject of disdain from adults and derision from kids desperate to disavow their childish pastimes.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 10 Oct. 2022
See all Example Sentences for punching bag
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'punching bag.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near punching bag
Cite this Entry
“Punching bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punching%20bag. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share