Pelt: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the fur or hide of an animal. It can also mean repeatedly hitting or throwing objects at something or someone.

• The hunter carefully cleaned the rabbit's pelt
• The children pelted the car with snowballs

Commonly used when referring to removing the skin or outer layer from fruits, vegetables, or animals. It can also refer to the outer covering of a human or an animal.

• She skinned the potatoes before boiling them
• The hunter skinned the deer after capturing it

Used when taking off layers or parts from something, not limited to skin. It can be used in various contexts, from removing paint to taking off clothes.

• He stripped the old wallpaper from the walls
• The workers stripped the car for usable parts

Used in more intense scenarios where the removal of skin is harsh or violent. It also has a figurative use for severe criticism. It often has a negative connotation.

• The butcher expertly flayed the fish
• The critic flayed the movie with harsh reviews

Use when referring to repeatedly throwing small objects or when it’s raining hard.

• The kids pelted each other with snowballs
• The rain pelted down on the roof

Suitable for describing an intense or continuous attack with bombs or information.

• The town was bombarded with artillery
• She was bombarded with questions by reporters

Generally used when throwing something with a lot of force, often in anger or during sports.

• He hurled the rock into the river
• She hurls the javelin with great skill

Describes a large number of objects falling or being thrown, often gently, or when referring to a light rain.

• Confetti showered down on the bride and groom
• There was a shower of compliments after his performance

Describes rain that falls very hard and fast, often suggesting intensity and force. Can sometimes also mean throwing something with force.

• The storm started to pelt the windows
• They began to pelt each other with snowballs

Refers to a heavy and sudden burst of rain, typically short-term and intense.

• We got caught in a downpour on our way to the car
• The weather forecast warned of sudden downpours

Generally describes a light to moderate rain that doesn't last very long. It can also refer to a person or event being covered with particular items or emotions.

• There will be scattered showers throughout the afternoon
• She received a shower of compliments after her speech

Describes a very intense and overwhelming flow, often associated with powerful and rushing water. It can also be used metaphorically for a strong outburst of emotions or actions.

• The rain fell in torrents, flooding the streets
• He let out a torrent of anger after hearing the news