pom-pom

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈpäm-ˌpäm 

1

: an ornamental ball or tuft used especially on clothing, caps, or costumes

2

: a handheld usually brightly colored fluffy ball flourished by cheerleaders

pom-pom

2 of 2

noun (2)

: an automatic antiaircraft gun of 20 to 40 millimeters mounted especially on ships

Examples of pom-pom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Decorate with strips of felt for cuffs and pom-poms. —Caylin Harris, Parents, 21 Dec. 2025

McDonald's is also selling less expensive Grimace gear for the holidays, including a coordinating beanie with a pom-pom that is on sale for $15. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025

Nothing beats cuteness except watching violence be enacted upon the cuteness; like an aural Happy Tree Friends, Skulls tosses pom-poms of fuzz into the sky then desecrates them. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 17 Dec. 2025

This tiny Christmas tree has a simple and modern feel thanks to the fringed garland and pink pom-pom decor. —Grace Gallagher, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of pompon

Noun (2)

imitative; from the sound of its discharge

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1940, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pom-pom

• aplomb
• balaam
• cocom
• embalm
• islam
• pogrom
• salaam
• sitcom
• balm
• bom
• bomb
• calm

Kids Definition

pom-pom

noun

ˈpäm-ˌpäm

1

: a fluffy ball used as trimming on clothing

2

: a handheld usually brightly colored fluffy ball waved by cheerleaders