Definition of "shellacking" [shellacking]

• Present participle of shellac. (verb)
• A heavy defeat, drubbing, or beating; used particularly in sports and political contexts. (noun)

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• "I think about the only good news from the shellacking is they did hold onto the Senate."
• "The results indicated that the extraordinary surge in support for Right-wing candidates and measures, which dealt Mr Obama what he called a "shellacking" in last year's midterm elections, may have retreated."
• "Democrats have been at the sprawling bayside resort since Thursday afternoon, discussing their strategy and messaging after a midterm shellacking that saw their party lose 63 seats in the House."