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

Sort crayons, sequins, pom-poms, buttons, googly eyes, markers, beads, and other embellishments into the jars. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026

Palisades High reopens after a year of instability Community members and parents greeted students with signs and pom-poms, offering support after a year of displacement and instability. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026

The fringe pom-poms add an extra fun touch. —Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026

The dance team waved gold pom-poms and Buford coaches, administrators and both teams took seats around the podium and seven national championship trophies. —Jack Leo, AJC.com, 17 Jan. 2026

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