throbbing

UK: /ˈθrɒbɪŋ/

From the verb throb: (⇒ conjugate)

throbbing is: ⓘ

v pres p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

throb /θrɑb/   v., throbbed, throb•bing, n. 
v. [no object]

1. Physiology to beat with increased force or speed, as the heart does when one feels emotion.
2. to vibrate, as a sound:
   The music from their party throbbed through the apartment building.

n. [countable]

3. Physiology a violent beat, as of the heart.
4. any strong, pulsing, or vibrating sound.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

throb (throb),  v., throbbed, throb•bing, n. 

v.i. 

1. Physiology to beat with increased force or rapidity, as the heart under the influence of emotion or excitement;
   palpitate.
2. to feel or exhibit emotion:
   He throbbed at the happy thought.
3. to pulsate;
   vibrate:
   The cello throbbed.

n. 

4. the act of throbbing.
5. Physiology a violent beat or pulsation, as of the heart.
6. any pulsation or vibration:
   the throb of engines.

• ?
• Middle English *throbben, implied in present participle throbbant throbbing 1325–75

throb′ber, n. 
throb′bing•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 3. See pulsate. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

throb / θrɒb/ verb (throbs, throbbing, throbbed)(intransitive)

1. to pulsate or beat repeatedly, esp with increased force
2. (of engines, drums, etc) to have a strong rhythmic vibration or beat

noun

1. the act or an instance of throbbing, esp a rapid pulsation as of the heart: a throb of pleasure

Etymology: 14th Century: perhaps of imitative origin